On May 12, The Hendricks Chapel Choir of Syracuse University, a 50-person premier mixed ensemble, will arrive in South Africa. This tour marks the first trip to the African continent for the choir. In each city visited, the students will have the chance to perform and learn alongside local artists.
The choir’s appearances in South Africa will include an eclectic collection of music crafted for choir and organ, including compositions by Antonio Vivaldi, Cecilia McDowall, Paul Basler, Jennifer Lucy Cook, Jeffrey Ames and Hendricks Chapel Choir Director José “Peppie” Calvar. Additionally, the Hendricks Chapel Choir will perform arrangements of traditional South African tunes to honor their host country.
Leading the performance tour is José “Peppie” Calvar, who serves as assistant director of choral activities at the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University. Dr. Anne Laver, University Organist at Syracuse University, and two student organists — Michael Guarneiri and Anne Spink — will share accompanying duties on the organ and sing with the choir.
“The Hendricks Chapel Choir is thrilled to be taking a performance tour of South Africa. As students at Syracuse University, the choir is eager to bring a slice of our region to the rest of the world and to foster collaboration through sharing music,” said Calvar. “We also look forward to collaborating with local audiences on three South African selections.”
The Hendricks Chapel Choir will begin their South African tour at the University of Johannesburg, and then visit the Villeria Dutch Reformed Church to perform with the Conwonnite Choir. Later, they will travel to the University of Pretoria for a workshop and evening concert in the Musaion.
The next stop will be a performance with the Drakensberg Boys Choir School under the direction of Mr. Vaugn van Zyl. Their final concert will be a joint performance with the University of the Western Cape Creative Arts Choir where Calvar will co-conduct with Mr. Leon Starker. A full schedule can be found here.
In addition to the choir and Dr. Calvar, other university representatives will be accompanying the choir. Ken Harper, associate professor of Visual Communications at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications has worked with organizations in South Africa, namely Inkululeko, iKapa Impact and the School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) at Rhodes University. Dara Harper, communications manager of Hendricks Chapel, will cover the events, conducting interviews for future videos and capturing moments along the way.
To attend an event, please connect with host organizations. To follow the choir’s progress, visit the Hendricks Chapel website.
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Hendricks Chapel, the spiritual heart of Syracuse University, is the student-centered global home for religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical life. Established in 1930 as a home for all faiths and place for all people, the chapel hosts 15 chaplains, more than 25 religious and spiritual groups, and sponsors over 2,000 programs for more than 1,000,000 annual attendees. Hendricks Chapel employs student workers, supports musical ensembles, offers support through the Student Opportunity Fund, Coach Mac Food Pantry, and Student Veteran Support Fund, and partners throughout the campus community to advance academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. As a central contributor to holistic life and learning at Syracuse University, Hendricks Chapel helps to prepare engaged citizens, scholars, and leaders for participation in a changing global society. For more information, visit chapel.syracuse.edu.
The Setnor School of Music in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts offers the highest level of musical development within a major research university and supportive community. At Setnor, you can study music in depth while also exploring a range of musical genres. We value a comprehensive musical education that will prepare our students not only to be highly trained musical citizens but also to be ready for successful careers in music education, music industry, arts entrepreneurship, and beyond. Visit vpa.syracuse.edu/setnor to learn more.
Syracuse University is an independent research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our 13 schools and colleges and over 200 majors close the gap between education and action, so graduates are equipped to be resourceful, responsive and real-world ready. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected issues with innovative approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community of game changers that moves ideas, individuals and impact forward.