Mohalenyane Phakela
VOICES will ring out in harmony on 3 July 2016 as Maseru City Chorale (MCC) celebrates a landmark anniversary at AVANI Maseru Hotel.
The community choir will mark 25 years since its founding in style, with an event set to feature South African conductors. According to MCC chairperson, Lebohang Lesupi, the choir initially consisted of Maseru City Council employees but over time added other people to its ranks.
Over the years, MCC has notched a number of accolades including the African Melody Festival among others. The 98-member choir also contested in a number of South African competitions such as the Gauteng Choral Music Association, Lengaung Choral Music Association and National Choir Federation in which it acquitted itself well.
“MCC is the only choir in the country to reach the 25-year milestone without ever splitting, and that is the exception in the choral music sector,” she said.
“What has served as our strong point is that no one owns Maseru City Chorale. It is a community choir in which decisions are made with the input of every member.”
Lesupi said they would also honour long serving members of the choir during the show.
“At the event, we will look back at the journey the choir has travelled and honour those who contributed to its development, not forgetting those who have fallen by the wayside.”
She said they invited guest conductors from South Africa to spice up the event.
“We have invited conductors from South Africa. These are Thabong Serenades, Country Voices and Voices of the Nation who will be leading Maseru City Chorale at the event,” said Lesupi.
“They are expected to arrive a day before the ceremony so they can practice with the choir. We believe that our members will learn a thing or two from our guest conductors.”
She said they were hoping to revive the national choral music competition which would focus on soloists.
“They will be held in the various regions, with the northern region in Leribe, central in Maseru and southern in Mafeteng. However, the dates are yet to be confirmed,” Lesupi said.
