Fly to Paradise - Stellenbosch University Choir

Fly to Paradise - Eric Whitacre (1972 - , USA)
Adapted for a cappella choir by André van der Merwe
Conducted by André van der Merwe
“Fly to Paradise” is an excerpt from Whitacre’s musical “Paradise Lost”.
The song repeatedly mentions the desire to fly - the protagonist used to
have wings, but now has forgotten what it feels like to fly, dreaming to escape reality.
Percussion: Lithemba Macanda
Recording Technician: Gerhard Roux
Videography: Jorrie van der Walt (DOP, Empty Canvas Productions)
Video Editing: Charl Folscher (Empty Canvas Productions)
Post Production Supervisor: Wilhelm Conradie (Lemon Slice Post)
Colourist: Henry Rheeder
Recorded on 6 October 2024 in Endler Hall, Stellenbosch University Konservatorium.
Contact: [e-mail]

[@carolpoole7091]

My son is in this phenomenal choir 🥹. Super proud 🥰

[@issakariet558]

Waw ...

[@Deathope1887]

They should be very proud, this group is amazing!

[@tinashemarowanyanga464]

how blessed i have been wanting to be a part of this since i discovered such a beautiful choir

[@commentwell3870]

Wow you must be ecstatic about this Mrs Kerol

[@rogershallcross4393]

Lucky parent!

[@ktaube6658]

My wife is now in hospice. I have no idea as to when she will receive her promotion, to be with the Lord, her creator, and with those whom have went to sleep before her. I was wondering if the Lord would bless me with a song that would be fitting for her soon departure. What a fitting title “Fly to Paradise”. Thank you so much for blessing me this morning with this really wonderful song. One day I hope to travel across the globe to South Africa to see each of your bright, smiling faces in person. You don’t just have a choir here, you have a ministry and it is helping many people around the world every day. God bless you.

[@lizy-7]

God is good

[@leoniedijxhoorn6239]

Are you in Europe ? They come to Denmark this summer !

[@jaccihuddy5917]

God bless and hold you close through this difficult time.

[@airedale1913]

Thinking of you. I hope her transition is a smooth one.

[@ktaube6658]

@@airedale1913 Bless you. She is still with us at this point; however, I am with you in my petition to the Throne that the Lord of hosts will allow her transition soon to reduce suffering and to promote full restoration and eternal fulfillment in Christ.

[@mathiassiebert1217]

You have to be aware of one thing: we always talk about "the choir" here. But there is no such thing. It is a university choir, so the members change every year. I have known the choir for about 20 years, and it is always just as good, one of the best in the world. But when the members change, it is clear why the choir is always good: Andre van der Merwe. The best choirmaster there is.

[@annebooyse1112]

Unfortunately, this is true, about the choir changing every year.

[@gretchen1009]

I think it takes both, a choir master with a vision, who is able to inspire, and a community of singers with open minds ready to be inspired and willing to work hard to bring this vision to life. This here is the result of one meeting the other. 💜

[@judithmahlangu]

Absolutely. I’m so grateful for the genius of André who has been able to consistently produce a high standard of music despite the changing faces each year. It’s truly remarkable.

[@monikavikoler1895]

That is true for sure!!!

[@breadsticks4085]

Yeah I noticed that too and gosh this year's(I'm not sure when these guys came in so yh)bass is really good

[@phutipontsho116]

You guys never cease to amaze. A lot of new faces but the voices still sound the same🥹🥹

[@princessmnyango8702]

Exactly my thoughts 😅😊 I use to listen to them back in 2016 ....they are so amazing

[@maxwouters8641]

It's so good, I am balling my eyes out, and yet I keep coming back

[@marien20]

In early morning rainy & cold The Netherlands this beautiful performance realy warms my heart. Thanks!

[@fusion4262]

Another soggy, wet start to winter here in the UK, with more rain expected imminently. However, the doom and gloom just melts away, life becomes tolerable, and I am swept away to somewhere sunny when I am immersed in the unique sound of my favourite choir. Yet another spine-tingling performance. Thank you for the arrangement and the performance.

[@antm64]

The smiles on faces of the chorus always bring warmth to my soul. This choir director continues to bring the very best out of his singers...wonderful job, Andre!! These young people will never forget the joy of singing with this chorus. We are so blessed to hear and see this award winning chorus!! Thank you for continuing to post performances for those of us unable to attend a live concert...much appreciated!!

[@TheGwynpw]

Perhaps the best ever male Bass line Ive heard from this choir. Chapeau.

[@charlottesimo9700]

Once again I'm still amazed by how can human voices bring me to another dimension... I litterally burst into tears due to the extreme intensity you bring to that incredible piece. Magnificent rendition, congratulations to the choir and M. Van der Merwe Please keep on bringing beauty and love to this world ❤❤❤

[@mwindanji6714]

3 am here, and I'm being sung to sleep by angels. Both uploads tonite were absolute perfection.

[@Ritatjie16]

Stellenbosch University Choir does it again! Thank you for pouring your hearts into the music ❤🎶

[@MusicaAngela]

This made me cry. What a dreamy sound. Beautiful and poignant.

[@MsGrillo28]

Solo aplaudir!! Abrir la boca extasiada. The best in the choral world!!!! Congratulations and Thank you so much!!!

[@lyanepolonsky9260]

I so agree with you...the best choir in the world

[@KatrijnDossche]

This choir is amazing! Beyond words! What a sound!! All appreciation! Congrats to all, the conductor and Eric Whitacre! We hope to have the honour at a certain moment to meet and hear you live! Our best and warm regards, Young womens choir Amaranthe Oudenaarde (Belgium)

[@CohenSimon_Miller]

Saw this live at Artscape, Brought tears to my eyes. You are all incredible!!

[@ayandamahlangu3422]

Sameeeee. I’ve been waiting for so long almost thinking they’d never record it.

[@NielTolken]

If I had a dollar for every time this choir created a definitive interpretation of a piece that I thought I knew

[@anagarrigues3131]

Hacen que lo que es difícil parezca fácil. Son espectaculares! Más música y menos guerras

[@18luckyhappy92]

I love this choir, been a fan for years. Would love to hear you sing Asikha Thali, Hamba Nathi, Thula Sana, Market Woman or Akeko Ofana Na Jesu one day. I feel like these songs match the vibe. Keep up the good work 🎉.

[@elifasshaama6215]

On repeat🎶 Art that touches the soul.

[@Mrbillingtons1]

Hi from Auckland New Zealand .Our kiwi would love this choir .Harmonize is amazing g and tones .Crisp clear and flowing .I hope the movie industry used you for Mufasa. You would have done them proud .Wow, Wow, Wow, and thank you.(Circle of life)Voices are amazing.

[@DurantImboden]

Thanks for posting a new video on KZbin! It's stunning, as your performances always are.

[@plast117]

So glad to see more posts from this fantastic choir!! Why 8 months since the last? They need to be posting every month!!! A gift to the world.

[@chrismouton1985]

That was amazing! Congratulations to André and his team! You never disappoint. It was an absolute priviledge to have sung for this choir. ❤

[@jordanduvall8336]

So Beautiful! This is now one of my new favorites next to Indodana. Love you guys so much, keep it up!

[@rmdeetlefs]

A beautifully polished and deeply moving performance-thank you!

[@adriennepretorius5479]

Mt my what an outstanding performance !! Absolutely angelic sound. Just too beautifull for words. Thank you !!

[@PatsonBotha-u3d]

If I was given an opportunity to sing in this choir I would gladly accept... My everyday dream choir... I love you guys

[@peterokopi3876]

What is beauty again? Everything is perfect from the diction to the blend to the emotion they put towards singing ❤❤❤

[@rodoullamichaelides5397]

Angels singing on earth❤

[@tonvanmeerwijk1429]

Dit is fantastisch. Bedankt.

[@IsingizwePatient]

Without even knowing the lyrics,you can meditate using this well harmonized song😌🙌

[@KgaboLesiba]

You just made my morning

[@edinaedina4340]

Brilliant! This music has so many facets and so does this interpretation. It shows such mutual understanding and that uniqueness can come from diversity and that diversity means richness. Congrats!

[@danidanidani111-p9g]

That was a mantra - what an arrangement!

[@cardin708]

THE LOVE FOR MUSIC JC GETTIN HIGH EVERYTIME I LISTEN TO STELLENBOSCH CHOIR... THIS PIECE IS TOO GOOD.. ANGELIC VOICES🥲🥲

[@ayukoneghegirland3355]

These guys are not just choristers they are angels just listen to that blissful harmony, no shouting no loudness its just plane and smooooooooooth 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@tinashemarowanyanga464]

its just one day when i will get to sing in this choir just one day be it a practice or whatever i really love this choir @0200 i be studying listening to you guys hoping that even for my masters i will be standing with you

[@carolynhacker-bb7ir]

Think this choir is a pivotal beacon of light for the whole world at this time.

[@irmahoniball4246]

Net Matie-koor wat sulke suiwer klanke kan voortbring - verseker ons trots! Dankie André!

[@chantaltulliez8066]

Fantastic choir and music director 🎉❤

[@makabongwegwebu6521]

Goosebumps…tears what an exceptional performance

[@dcarlod]

I really missed you! I hope these two uploads are the first of many 😍

[@SceLoh]

Love this song so much!!!....been playing it for over 10 times now

[@ayandamahlangu3422]

Been waiting for this one since I heard it live. Absolutely phenomenal👏🏽

[@laurenjones5001]

This is so beautiful! Thank you. This is making me miss you all so much ❤️

[@WalulyaSemutego-nv9dj]

Lots of love from Uganda 🇺🇬

[@bosswardrop]

Magnificent - simply magnificent

[@venty1]

Its been a while. Thanks for the upload.As always absolutely incredible. All the best for your year end exams.

[@bridgetn2575]

Absolutely stunning performance! It brought tears to my eyes. 🥹❤️

[@kvarta_lv]

Неймовірне виконання! Чудова робота маестро André van der Merwe!

[@Fionafio]

Bass ate, left no crumps❤❤❤❤

[@bulumko.mtsimba]

goosebumps 🔥🙌🏽🙌🏽 well done guys

[@AoiShibata]

I love this piece

[@tinashemarowanyanga464]

When this song came out I was so excited i played it for almost the whole morning from 1200 til like 0400 and sadly my pastor passed away that morning

[@maggiepie8810]

Masterfully arranged, flawlessly performed. ❤

[@kmlynden1]

so lovely. thank you

[@cardin708]

Every piece ranked 🔝🔝

[@friederikebellstedt7223]

Beautiful! What an enriching experience it is to be part of this choir.

[@Caleb.afrohead]

Oh my days, chills chills chills!

[@atembawreshmond6514]

So beautiful ❤️

[@sandranjang5855]

This is so amazing… I can’t stop watching,, thanks beautiful choir

[@Dulcitudo23059]

C est magnifique à entendre 🇫🇷 France 🇫🇷

[@Brigitte-t8v]

This reminds me at my beloved mother passed away many years ago❤

[@benedyglen]

Great.. as usual... You all are ablessing.. thank you..❤

[@fonefred1]

Simply Beautiful!!!!…..❤❤❤…..

[@mcastrorodrigues]

You definetely made my day much better!!! Thank you

[@chidiebereojiaku8824]

This is beautiful ❤

[@kenyokiel493]

Absolutely mind blowing!!!!

[@kateryna_polovyk]

Your performance has overfilled me with emotions from the first second. So pure, masterfull, clear, accurate, free and soulful... Keep up your great work, I am always in awe with your sound 🙏

[@elsjeschoombee4210]

Goosebumps 👏👏👏👏Absolutely heavenly

[@consuelomeroni1176]

Meravigliosi!!!!!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

j'adore !

[@иринаклинчина-й9ш]

Андре прекрасный профессионал!

[@carlaalmasiciliotti432]

Che meravigliosa umanità... ❤

[@nomvuladlamini4618]

Heartwarming performance ❤❤❤

[@jovanblom7742]

Dealing in the sublime...

[@alexandrepigozzibravo9108]

Awesome work!!

[@markusklemm7911]

WOW. Bravo!

[@amysergenson482]

Goosebumps 😮❤

[@BB-fo6nl]

Absolutely stunning 😭❤

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

Thank you..💝🌺

[@NaytureSA]

Oneday my son is going to be part of this choir

[@pred7949]

beeeeeeen waiting for this ❤❤

[@JuliaBojosi-q8l]

Thank you stellenbosch you are rolling this is amazing roll we love you so much ❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂 from mpumalanga nelspruit

[@sizwemondlane7464]

Your sound is beautiful, Maties 🥹

[@delroyjody1048]

Ive been waiting for this one 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Ethan-ep2zl]

THE DAY HAS COME!

[@mdavidom5903]

sensational🙏🖤💚❤

[@jaarovandukasirua1419]

Them basses were like "On daa floor " 🥶

[@elifasshaama6215]

they dug into my soul, can only imagine.

[@mouradsouri4662]

Been waiting for this 💞💞💞💞

[@sunilosmanofficial]

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@casamilagro7137]

congratulations!

[@langabenjamingugushe9383]

Wow!😢

[@VMMv35124]

Приятная и красивая музыка

[@ngwaneso]

Wow

[@celby_mokotjo]

That bass melody from 0:16 dropped my heart, but man what about the soprano🔥

[@tristanfeinauer]

That bass on the word "fly" is something else as well.

[@VLenzer]

WOW! Not my Song, but what a great Performance! And a lot of new Faces too. Please, keep on going ... singing. ;)

[@remaksiva]

❤

[@amberralicia]

❤❤❤❤