Clarendon High School for Girls’ Chamber Choir continues to set an exceptional standard in choral music, earning recognition as one of SA’s top-performing school choirs.
Under the direction of conductor and head of culture, Michelle Wiseman, the choir has once again been selected as a finalist in the prestigious ATKV Applous Choral competition, a remarkable achievement in the highly competitive prestige category, the highest division in the competition.
“This achievement means a tremendous amount to us,” Wiseman told the Go!
“We work incredibly hard to maintain a standard that allows us to compete at this level and to be invited to the national finals.
“We have been entering this competition since 2019 and were invited to the finals in 2022 and 2024, and now again in 2026.”
Adding to an already outstanding year, the choir was recently awarded the medal for Best High School Chamber Choir at the East London Eisteddfod, further cementing its reputation for excellence.
What sets Clarendon apart, Wiseman explains, is not only technical precision, but the spirit behind each performance.
“Our choristers do not simply sing the music, they live it.
“There is a sincerity and enthusiasm in their performances that audiences and adjudicators can feel.
“That connection creates something truly special.”
The choir’s success is built on months of preparation and unwavering commitment.
Rehearsals begin well in advance, with repertoire carefully selected to showcase the choir’s strengths.
Choristers rehearse multiple times a week, with additional sectional sessions and individual practice forming part of their disciplined routine.
However, the journey has not been without challenges.
“As a choir from the Eastern Cape, travel and accommodation costs can be substantial,” Wiseman said.
“But through the support of parents, the school and the wider community, we continue to create opportunities for our singers.”
While qualifying for the national finals remains a proud achievement, the choir has made the strategic decision to focus its efforts on an even bigger stage in 2026, the internationally-acclaimed Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival and Competition.
“We would have loved to build on our previous success at nationals,” Wiseman said, referencing the choir’s silver medal in 2022 and gold in 2024.
“But participating in an international event of this calibre requires significant commitment.
“We felt it was important to focus our resources and preparation on that opportunity.”
Despite not attending the national finals this year, the recognition is a powerful affirmation of the choir’s excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of qualifying once again.
“It reflects the exceptional standard our choristers have achieved, and we now look forward to representing our school and community on the international stage.”
With passion, discipline and a distinctive musical spirit, Clarendon’s Chamber Choir continues to inspire, proving that excellence in the arts thrives when talent meets dedication.
