VOX AT THE MZANZI CONDUCTORS’ CONVENTION
Every year since 2023, the Choral Celebration Network Foundation has hosted the Mzanzi Conductors’ Convention (MCC) in March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. A host of inspiring presentations, masterclasses and concerts are led by international choral experts.
As 2025 coincided with our tenth birthday, we were delighted to be the ‘choir-in-residence’ at the MCC, which meant that we worked closely with five young choral conductors from around the country as they honed their art under the guidance of visiting mentors Markus Utz and Ernst Buscagne from Switzerland. Our work together culminated in a public performance at the MCC’s Closing Showcase.
Watch our performance of the exquisite Requiem for Solace by the Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen that formed part of the opening ceremony of the first-ever South African National Conductors’ Convention (as it was then called) in the Cape Town International Convention Centre in 2023. For that performance, we teamed up with two other local choirs (Joyful Harmonies and Vivox Voices) under the baton of renowned South African choral conductor Renette Bouwer.
Presentation at the 2026 MCC by Kyle Paulssen
‘The Science of Singing—An Anatomical Exploration of the Human Voice’
Choral conductors and singers often draw on anatomical terminology to describe areas where tension should be released or support engaged to produce the best sounds for singing. Whether referencing the abdominal muscles or the diaphragm, the tongue or the throat muscles and vocal cords, we all hold preconceived ideas of how these structures contribute to a healthy singing voice. However, most people imagine these structures on the basis of images and diagrams but few teachers or vocalists have actually seen these structures ‘in situ’ within the human body.
To refine our abilities as singers and conductors, and to grow as choral practitioners, a good understanding of the human body is needed which will allow us not only to better visualise these structures but also appreciate their interconnectedness. As a medical doctor and anatomist at the University of Cape Town, I work closely with cadaveric material in both my teaching and research. I propose an innovative workshop for delegates in which I systematically guide attendees through the human singing apparatus using real cadaveric specimens. Due to the sensitive nature of the material and ethical considerations, no photography or videography would be allowed during the session.
Reflection: VOX as Choir-in-Residence at the MCC 2025
It was a privilege for VOX Cape Town, as the Choir-in-Residence at the 2025 Mzanzi Conductors’ Convention, to work closely with five rising-star conductors—Kepa, Nathan, Moss, Erika and Odwa—under the inspiring mentorship of Zurich-based maestros Markus Utz and Ernst Buscagne. Over an intensive weekend of masterclasses, their complementary expertise guided us in realising the distinct musical visions of each young conductor, from the grand sweeps of gesture to the subtleties of musical phrasing and foreign-language pronunciation. Our repertoire of a dozen works spanned a rich spectrum of styles, from Swiss folksongs to contemporary South African compositions, culminating in a public performance on Sunday at the CTICC.
It was a joy to contribute meaningfully to the South African choral landscape in this way—particularly as it coincided with VOX’s tenth anniversary year—and to share the stage with other vibrant ensembles. For our singers, it was a deeply enriching experience; we returned to our own rehearsals with renewed energy and a desire to assimilate what we had learnt. We are grateful to the Choral Celebration Network Foundation for the invitation and for facilitating all the logistics, from repertoire selection to meals and refreshments. VOX remains committed to championing the growth of young choral conductors, and we will be following the journeys of our new musical friends with keen interest!
Presentation at the 2025 MCC by Kyle Paulssen
‘From Sound to Spectacle: Transforming Choral Concerts with Extra-Musical Elements’
In this era of modern technology, live choral concerts are not just competing with other musical performances but with many other forms of entertainment and engagement. From radio and television to games and cell phones, each becoming more interactive and expansive with further advancement, everything is becoming “bigger and better”! To attract new audiences as well as to keep existing patrons engaged, we as choral performers need to keep with the times to ensure sustainable audience development and retention.
For the past decade, our choral ensemble VOX Cape Town has tried to invigorate the local music scene with our multisensory, immersive choral experiences – from taking people on a voyage to the Northern Lights, to a journey across the rugged landscape of the Karoo, to our “ViniChoral” wine-and-music-pairings, to our “Flower Songs” within a botanical art exhibition. We have enjoyed great success, with the majority of our performances being sold out, and we have grown our audiences with many new and younger people coming to listen to what we do or wanting to join our choir.
As the manager and one of the creative forces behind VOX, I am going to highlight our holistic “Gesamtkunstwerk” approach to performances as well as the inspiration we take from other forms of entertainment, from theatre productions to theme parks, to augment our performances. I will also describe simple practical tips that you can use to improve your concert appeal for the next generation of concertgoers. From imaginative performance programming and elements of staging to poster design and artwork, to venue preparation and audience engagement – it does not have to be complicated or expensive, but it will give your concert just that little edge that will make people not want to miss it!
Presentation at the 2024 MCC by John Woodland
‘Seeding and Nurturing a Sustainable Choral Ecosystem: VOX Cape Town as a Case Study’
While the core of any choir is its singers, its “musical family” extends to a much larger community encompassing composers, instrumentalists, those who host and promote performances and, of course, the audience! Musicologist Christopher Small coined the term “musicking” to describe the process of bringing together the many aspects of a musical performance and the varied relationships that are established between the participants that contribute to that performance.
This talk will describe how VOX Cape Town, since its inception in 2015 and arguably the Mother’s City most active and versatile choral collective, has developed a sustainable choral ecosystem by fostering an engaged cohort of singers and a supportive audience, establishing collaborative relationships with composers and instrumentalists, and disseminating choral music widely through its recordings and on radio. VOX has primarily done this through its immersive, imaginative performances that span a range of musical styles and which have explored innovative concepts such as wine-and-music pairings and singing in the dark. Critically, these activities are underpinned by an inclusive sense of community which was keenly felt during the pandemic when regular in-person choral singing was not possible.
By drawing on the dozens of projects undertaken by VOX over the past decade, this talk will highlight lessons learnt along the way and offer tips for choirs who wish to build an engaged and loyal following of singers and supporters.
