Stirling High is proud to welcome the award- winning youth choir Kammerchor from Domgymnasium Verden, Germany, as part of their SA 2026 tour, for a special collaborative concert.
The much-anticipated event promises an afternoon of choral music bringing together pupils from local schools and international youth in a celebration of culture and harmony.
Participating schools include Stirling’s 30-member chamber choir and some concert choir members, Cambridge High’s 90-member choir, Clarendon High’s De Nova Serenata with 23 members, Beaconhurst High and primary’s 34-member choir, 20 members of Lilyfontein’s choir, and the University of Fort Hare’s 25-member choir.
Together with the German youth choir, about 250 voices will join in a unique performance.
The Kammerchor, one of Northern Germany’s most successful youth choirs, is led by Vanessa Galli and has been fostering international collaboration for more than 50 years.
The 30 singers, aged 14 to 20, explore diverse cultures through music, and their repertoire includes secular and sacred works, mostly a cappella, spanning centuries. Pieces will be performed in German, French, Spanish, Norwegian, English, Latin and SA languages, reflecting both tradition and global musical diversity.
Stirling’s chamber choir conductor, Leoni Johl, shared her excitement over the collaboration. “This is our second time hosting Vanessa Galli and her youth choir,” said Johl.
“Collaborations like this open the world to our students, allowing them to interact with peers from different backgrounds, share ideas, and create harmony together.
“Music has the power to transcend barriers and bring healing, and we want our learners to experience that first-hand.”
Johl said she was privileged to tour internationally as a young chorister, performing and collaborating with choirs across the world.
“Those experiences taught me how choral singing can unite people, no matter the language or culture.
“I’ve always wanted my students to have the same opportunities.
“Being part of a mass choir of 3,000 voices is unforgettable, and through collaborations like this, we can bring some of that magic right here to East London.”
During the week-long visit, the German choir will spend time with each school, learning new songs and performing together, culminating in joint mass items with all choirs, creating a powerful collective sound.
“In today’s world, where there’s so much unrest, this collaboration reminds us that people from different backgrounds can come together and create something beautiful and peaceful,” said Johl.
The concert will take place on March 22 at 14.30pm at the Guild Theatre.
Tickets are R50 at the door.
