The ‘best choir in the world’ celebrates 90 years of song

The Stellenbosch University Choir, widely regarded by many as the best in the world, celebrates a remarkable 90 years in 2026.

Founded in 1936, this iconic student ensemble has evolved into a global choral powerhouse. Its vibrant sound, disciplined artistry, and emotional depth have earned admiration across continents.

In South Africa, choral singing forms a vital thread in the cultural fabric. The Stellenbosch University Choir has stood at the forefront of this tradition for decades. Through changing times, it has remained a beacon of excellence and creative ambition.

STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY CHOIR AMONG WORLD ELITE

The choir was founded in 1936 under conductor William Morris (1936-1939), whose leadership laid its strong musical foundation. Successive conductors, including Gawie Cillié (1939-1955), Prof. Philip McLachlan (1956-1975), Prof. Johan de Villiers (1976-1984), and Acama Fick (1985-1992), shaped its distinctive character.

Their commitment to high standards established a reputation for expressive singing and technical precision.

A new era dawned in 2003 when André van der Merwe took the helm. His visionary direction elevated the ensemble to unprecedented global heights. Under his direction, it held the title of world’s top mixed amateur choir for 11 years.

Major achievements under his baton include the following:

• First place at the World Choir Games in Bremen, 2004
• First place at the World Choir Games in Austria, 2008
• First place at the World Choir Games in China, 2010
• First place at the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, 2012
• First place at the World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, 2014
• In Riga, they won all three categories, achieving the highest mark (a whopping 99%) in the competition’s history!
• At the time, they were ranked number one on the Interkultur World Ranking List of the top 1000 international choirs.

These triumphs confirmed its status among the world’s best contenders, and the historic 99 per cent score in Riga remains a benchmark in international choral competition.

In 2025, they reinforced their global stature by winning three gold medals at the European Choir Games: Adult Choirs (96.56%), Jazz/Pop/Show (95.69%), and Musica Sacra a Cappella (95.31%).

Today, around 100 students from diverse disciplines at Stellenbosch University form part of this celebrated ensemble. Each singer auditions for a place, and shared dedication produces performances that blend youthful vitality with refined musicality.

GALA TO HONOUR THEIR LEGACY

The 90th anniversary celebrations culminate at the Suidoosterfees on 3 May 2026, a gala concert featuring excellence and musical brilliance. Audiences can expect a fresh repertoire that reflects evolving artistic vision.

Tickets are available through Webtickets, with strong interest already building.

Further commemorative performances will take place during the Endler Concert Series at the US Konservatorium on 8 and 9 May.

Ninety years after its founding, the Stellenbosch University Choir continues to define what it means to be the best on the international stage. Its voices resonate far beyond Stellenbosch, carrying a proud South African legacy into the future.