Awie’s swan song

After 36 years Prof Awie van Wyk retired in December last year as choir leader of the NWU-Puk by saying farewell to the university on a high note.
  The NWU-Puk took part in the Prague International Christmas and Choir Festival from 9 to 12 December where they took the honours in the category for big choirs, and they were also crowned the overall winner.
  “It was an unbelievable experience, I was so proud of the choir. It was the perfect way to end my time with the choir,” said the 62 year-old with a soft spot for progressive jazz music.
  “I’ve been overseas so many times in my life I can’t even count how many times I crossed the border. The NWU-Puk was very good to me.”
  His highlight was when former President Nelson Mandela danced with the NWU-Puk choir.
  “He really has a lot of charisma; there is just something about him that I cannot describe.”
  Although Van Wyk does not have any fixed plans for the future, a holiday in the Karoo is in store for him, from where he will consider his options.
  “It takes forever to pack up all my things. You know, it’s a lifetime. I’m not entirely sure what I’m going to do next, but there are many options.”
  Be it as it may, his music, his food of life, will last a long time.
  “Music concerts to beauty ... to pure gold. It’s the,” he hesitates, “It’s the all of humanity.”
  “Good music is like good friends. It’s a long way that one walks together – 62 years on this earth is just not enough time to appreciate everything.”
  “And music builds bridges between people; I’ve seen it with my own eyes. It brings people closer to each other.  

  Van Wyk is succeeded by the 25 year-old Kobus Venter, a young man for whom he only has the highest praise.
  “I leave the choir in good hands. Kobus is extremely talented and I’m 100% certain that he will make a success of it.”
  According to Venter, he is determined not to let his mentor down.
  “I think my biggest challenge is going to be to keep the standard that Awie has set, and it’s a very high standard.”
  “I’m very excited and look forward to it very much. I’ve already found the nicest music for the choir and cannot wait to get my hands on it.”
  Big shoes are Awie’s for sure, but in Kobus there are capable hands to tie the laces.