Voices of Excellence: The Stellenbosch University Choir's European Triumph
--:--
In this episode we bring you an extraordinary live conversation all the way from Aarhus, Denmark, where South African choral excellence has just stunned the global stage. We’re joined by Lithemba Macanda, a member of the world-renowned Stellenbosch University Choir, who helped secure a gold medal at the 2025 European Choir Games, achieving an astonishing score of 96.56 points—just 0.44 behind the global leader.
In this exclusive interview with Sibulele Ndudula, Macanda takes us behind the scenes of one of the world's most prestigious choral competitions, sharing how it feels to represent South Africa on an international platform and perform with such precision, emotion, and pride. She speaks about the incredible guidance of musical director André van der Merwe, whose meticulous and visionary leadership has transformed a student ensemble into an internationally competitive powerhouse.
We also explore the emotional highs of Tuesday’s medal win, the unforgettable joint performance with Denmark’s premier choir that had audiences demanding an encore outside the venue, and the physical discipline required to keep one’s voice in peak condition throughout the competition.
Macanda also opens up about the mental preparation involved in carrying the hopes of a nation, the honour of performing in front of the South African Ambassador, and what it means to be part of a musical legacy that has captivated audiences from across Europe. From intensive rehearsals to the balance between focused preparation and cultural exploration, this episode offers a full picture of what it's like to be part of something bigger than yourself.
And as the choir looks ahead to competing in two more categories before returning home, Macanda gives us a sense of the mood within the team and their hopes for the final days of competition.
This episode is a celebration of South African artistry, discipline, and resilience. It's about voices that carry not just melody, but identity, heritage, and hope.
Tune in now to hear from one of our country’s brightest young talents, speaking live from Denmark. It’s a conversation that will leave you inspired, moved—and incredibly proud.
In this exclusive interview with Sibulele Ndudula, Macanda takes us behind the scenes of one of the world's most prestigious choral competitions, sharing how it feels to represent South Africa on an international platform and perform with such precision, emotion, and pride. She speaks about the incredible guidance of musical director André van der Merwe, whose meticulous and visionary leadership has transformed a student ensemble into an internationally competitive powerhouse.
We also explore the emotional highs of Tuesday’s medal win, the unforgettable joint performance with Denmark’s premier choir that had audiences demanding an encore outside the venue, and the physical discipline required to keep one’s voice in peak condition throughout the competition.
Macanda also opens up about the mental preparation involved in carrying the hopes of a nation, the honour of performing in front of the South African Ambassador, and what it means to be part of a musical legacy that has captivated audiences from across Europe. From intensive rehearsals to the balance between focused preparation and cultural exploration, this episode offers a full picture of what it's like to be part of something bigger than yourself.
And as the choir looks ahead to competing in two more categories before returning home, Macanda gives us a sense of the mood within the team and their hopes for the final days of competition.
This episode is a celebration of South African artistry, discipline, and resilience. It's about voices that carry not just melody, but identity, heritage, and hope.
Tune in now to hear from one of our country’s brightest young talents, speaking live from Denmark. It’s a conversation that will leave you inspired, moved—and incredibly proud.