On Friday, 21 March (Human Rights Day), a special performance of Carl Orff’s very popular Carmina Burana took place at Kirstenbosch, in aid of the national botanical gardens’ exhibition at the Chelsea Flower Show in London. Choirs taking part were: The Symphony Choir of Cape Town, City of Tygerburg Choir and Rondebosch Preparatory School Choir. The CPO was conducted by Alex Fokkens and the soloists were Goitsemang Oniccah Lehobye, Riaan Hunter and Willem Bester.

Find the CPO Website HERE.

Read more about the Performers, including their CV’s HERE.

The Rehearsal

Three Pianists, Three Pianos: Victor Tichardt, Albert Combrink, Johanna Pinsky

Selected solo-group from the Rondebosch Preparatory Boys’ School with their teacher Samantha Kriger

I’ve never seen Rehearsal Room 308 so packed with people!

Soprano Goitsemang Lehobye and pianist and Vocal Coach Victor Tichardt going trough some last minute fine-tuning.

The Choirs

The Sound-Check

Albert Combrink, Johanna Pinksa, Victor Tichart

Victor Tichardt

Victor Tichardt, Johanna Pinska and Riaan Hunter

A forest of microphones

The Soloists – Photographed in Soundcheck and Rehearsal

Alexander Fokkens & Willem Bester

Alex Fokkens & Goitsemang Lehobye

Alexander Fokkens & Riaan HUnter

Goitsemang Lehobye

Singing Lecturer Hanna van Schalkwyk spotted in the audience.

The Orchestra

Patrick Goodwin (Concert Master CPO)

French Horn

Sergei Burdukov (oboe)

The Final Product!

Standing ovation by 3000 people and the chance to play exquisite music in exquisite surroundings.