The NWU Conservatory Choir, established in 2009 by Prof Santisa Viljoen, is a premier ensemble within NWU School of Music. It is currently directed by Prof Conroy Cupido, with assistance from Mr Thomas Erlank and Dr Antoinette Olivier. Participation in the choir is mandatory for all voice and choral conducting students, making it an essential part of their academic training. The choir primarily focuses on Western art music and strives to deliver at least two concerts annually, one of which is dedicated to opera. These opera concerts often feature collaborations with visiting directors and distinguished guest lecturers, enhancing the students’ learning experience. Notable guest lecturers have included Prof Bo Rosenkull from the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), Prof Barbara Hill Moore from Southern Methodist University (Texas, USA), and the world-renowned conductor and vocal coach Kamal Khan.

The Voice department’s relationship with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London has further enriched the choir’s program. This collaboration has brought esteemed professionals like Dominic Wheeler, Martin Lloyd Evans, and Samantha Malk to NWU. In 2023, under Prof Cupido’s leadership, a delegation of staff and students visited London, where they had the opportunity to perform and gain international exposure.

The choir’s reputation extends beyond the university, having performed with the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra under Richard Cock and the Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestra at Brooklyn Theatre. These performances have allowed the choir to work with several renowned conductors and further establish its presence in the South African music scene. Additionally, the choir and its members have graced major arts festivals such as Aardklop, the Klein Karoo Kunstefees (KKNK), and the Wakkerstroom Music Festival, earning two KYKNET Fiëstas nominations for their outstanding productions.

Many alumni of the NWU Conservatory Choir have gone on to achieve success in both local and international music arenas, embodying the university’s motto, “It all starts here.” For more information about the Conservatory Choir, please contact Prof Conroy Cupido.