A Canadian choir singing in Afrikaans? The Vancouver Youth Choir has stunned the internet with a heartfelt rendition of a South African choral piece, proving that music truly knows no borders.
Vancouver, Canada (03 November 2024) – Music has the extraordinary power to transcend borders, cultures, and languages, uniting people in the most unexpected ways. The latest example making waves online is a Canadian youth choir that’s capturing hearts around the globe with their beautiful rendition of a song sung in… Afrikaans!
Choirs often perform pieces in languages that are not their own, bringing the world a little closer together with every note. But when Franco Prinsloo, an award-winning composer and conductor from Pretoria, South Africa, shared a rehearsal video of the Vancouver Youth Choir singing in Afrikaans, the internet couldn’t get enough. The video features the choir performing Prinsloo’s composition “Deurgrond”, and their stunning interpretation is resonating with audiences far and wide.
Prinsloo expressed his delight at hearing his work performed with such passion and skill:
“Just have a listen to this rehearsal recording made in Canada. The Vancouver Youth Choir directed by Carrie Tennant, rehearsing my composition ‘Deurgrond’. Hearing these talented young voices bring South African choral music to life across continents is truly something special. Huge thanks to Carrie and the choir for their amazing work—it’s incredible to see music connecting us all.”
The Vancouver Youth Choir, founded in 2013 and directed by Carrie Tennant, is a thriving community of singers aged 5 to 24, celebrated for its passion for inclusivity and its dedication to artistic excellence and the harmonies in the video are nothing short of enchanting. As the choir sings, their voices blend seamlessly, filling the room with an emotive sound that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s a beautiful reminder of the universal language of music, capable of giving us all the feels and creating shared moments of joy and connection, no matter where we are in the world.
You can watch the beautiful performance below.
And listen to Franco Prinsloo’s version below (with lyrics for reference).
This story is a brilliant example of how art can build bridges between cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation. It’s a reminder that even in a world that often feels divided, there are countless moments of beauty and unity happening every day.
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