Appendix 6 - International Music Council

professional chorus master, was engaged to assist the choirmasters during
the preparation period when we collaborated with choirs and the choir
members involved gained valuable experience through this appointment.
During the January 2005 auditions for The Black Tie Ensemble Incubator
Scheme so many wonderful voices were heard, and out of the nearly 200
young people who auditioned we could only accept three new candidates for
the “Incubator Scheme” for 2005.
Says South African Opera Diva Mimi Coertse: “Having had great
opportunities during my own career I was distressed to hear so many good
singers who might never have the opportunity to perform on stage.”
To be able to create employment for singers on an ad hoc basis, the BTE
management decided that a permanent Black Tie Opera Chorus had to be
established under the leadership of chorus master Mathilda Hornsveld. In
our seventh year of existence the forming of an ad hoc opera chorus was
also the next step in the Ensemble’s development. This allowed us to have
access to a semi professional opera chorus which, with training, will meet the
unique demands of an opera chorus.
On Saturday 22 January auditions were held at the State Theatre and one
hundred and fifty candidates auditioned for the Opera Chorus. Thirty two
candidates were chosen to join the chorus and further auditions were held to
fill eight vacant posts of the forty member chorus. A total of 200 singers
auditioned for the available positions and the auditions were open to
anybody. Most of the chorus members that were accepted into the chorus
were unemployed.
During 2005 this chorus performed at all Black Tie Ensemble galas,
concerts and in opera productions. They will also perform their own concerts
in and around Pretoria. Should another performing company need to make
use of a professional chorus, the
Black Tie Opera Chorus will be at liberty to perform for such a company.
Enquiries and bookings have already been received for 2006.
Ideal rehearsal venues are available at the State Theatre in Pretoria and
rehearsals spread evenly throughout the rehearsal period ensured slow but
positive development. Possible candidates for the “Incubator Scheme” are
also being prepared and developed within the chorus. The choristers receive
ad hoc fees, tuition, music theory, training in Italian and German
pronunciation, and learn performance skills, theatre discipline and theatre
etiquette. As these are life skills, they could be used later in other fields as
well. Throughout
The BTE is aware of the fact that there is a void in properly trained chorus
masters among some of the township and community choirs. These leaders will
initially be invited to attend accomplished chorus master Mathilda Hornsveld’s
rehearsals of the BTE Opera Chorus to expose them to the training and coaching
methods of a professional opera chorus. This will be followed up by workshops
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