A remarkable choral project took place in the enchanting town of Irsina in the Italian province of Basilicata, bringing together singers from all over Europe and South Africa to celebrate the joy of choral singing. This unique project by conductor Johann van der Sandt is a testament to the commitment and passion of the participants. It brought together 33 enthusiastic choral singers for a week of unforgettable musical collaboration.
Although most of the rehearsals took place online and only three sessions were held in person, the singers' commitment to mastering their craft was evident. Their hard work during the remote rehearsals allowed them to grow together musically despite the distance, and when they finally came together in Irsina, it was as if they had been singing together the whole time.
This week-long event in Irsina was not only about the performance, but also a deep exploration of the art and beauty of choral singing. From the online rehearsals to the joint (in-person) rehearsals in Irsina, the singers shared a common dedication to perfecting their sound and living out their love for the art of choral singing. They savoured the joy that comes when their voices blend into a single, cohesive force, creating music that is bursting with power and emotion.
The picturesque surroundings of Irsina provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of choral music. As the singers gathered to perform, the experience was enhanced by the warmth of the local community and the breathtaking surroundings. The local choir Coro Polifonico Angelo Candela was the perfect host and performed two concerts together with the choir Si! per il canto (translated: Yes, to singing), also known in South Africa as Ja! vir die lewe (Yes to life!). The project was not only a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment, but also a reminder of the magic that can happen when voices unite in harmony, even across continents.
The passion and unwavering commitment of the singers turned this project an unforgettable musical journey that will leave lasting memories of shared creativity, hard work and the sheer joy of choral singing.