NWU-Puk choir takes part in much sought-after competition in Austria

POTCHEFSTROOM – The NWU-Puk choir of the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) was recently awarded the overall fifth place in an international choir competition in Austria.

Between 60 and 80 choirs apply annually to participate in the competition, of which only 12 are invited to do so. The NWU-Puk choir was also the only choir in Africa that took part, and participated now for the third time after having obtained an overall second place and a “publicums” prize in 1993 with their performance.

The 45 choir members departed on the tour on 24 June, which took them to Hungary, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, where they also gave several performances. The competition in Spittal, Austria, has been presented at the Porcia castle since 1964, and more than 400 choirs have participated in the competition over the years.

The Potchefstroom Campus Rector, Prof Annette Combrink, was also on an official visit to the University of Southern Bohemia in Czechia during this time, and attended some of the concerts. According to Mr Peet Ryke, tour leader during this trip, the NWU can be very proud of this group of talented students, as they really made the other European countries sit up and take note of their exceptional skills.

The well-known conductor of the NWU-Puk choir, Prof Awie van Wyk, surrounded by his choir members.