Angel - Stellenbosch University Choir

Angel - Sarah McLachlan / arr. André van der Merwe
Recorded on 12 March 2020 in the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch
Sound Engineer: Gerhard Roux
Video: Green Planet Productions: Francois Nolte
Video editing: Brenton du Plessis (Green Planet)

[@martindorling6435]

I am someone who has been in choirs and listened to choirs most of my life (80yrs) and this choir is for me the best in the world

[@bytejourneycodes]

Agree 100%

[@beavanamerom5672]

I have heard the same remark throughout our country. Well done, Stellenbosch!

[@amelialegrange5112]

Die beste koor ter wêreld ! Die soprane se klank is HEMELS .

[@sampielouw]

To me too

[@sampielouw]

@@amelialegrange5112 vir seker

[@Heart0fGold]

I swear at 1:53 it sounds like you’re listening to angels singing. The composition is simply breathtaking. I absolutely love this choir.

[@phumezagubuza2764]

I heard that too

[@miavos3610]

I agree ...

[@the_unpopular_christian]

Made me bawl my eyes out

[@Jeyisms]

I thought the same

[@morosso1968]

i just thought it was only me.

[@judeabanobi1805]

This is the best choir in the world. What makes it even more spectacular is that it is a university choir, so member turnover is high, yet it continues to remain the best. Year after year.

[@abubakrdevilliers2558]

Exactly yes, the singers today are likely completely different to 4 years ago, yet the choir remains consistently brilliant. Kudos to Andre, the man is a genius.

[@kwakupoku3719]

And majority of them are not music majors. They come from all the academic disciplines.

[@daphneraven6745]

Kwaku Poku : Thank you for that information. I had actually been wrongfully assuming the opposite.

[@williamc.hensel130]

Yes, a deciduous fruit tree - the leaves fall, the fruit is picked, and presently the blossoms come again, the leaves and fruit recur. Grace embodied, singing.

[@GypsyGirl317]

@@abubakrdevilliers2558 I agree 👍🏾 this is one of the most incredible choir masters in the world. 🙆🏻‍♀️ I sang in my high school choir back in the 1970s here in New Zealand 🇳🇿 and we had a choir mistress of this calibre. We won local and regional competitions, and did some spectacular work as well. This choir is an absolute pleasure to listen to. The quality in all areas - vocal, artistic and technical is just stunning.

[@johnritchie4801]

Andre plays this choir like a finely tuned Orchestra Just Genius

[@Pearly056]

I listen to this 31 years after I lost my best friend to ovarian cancer. This beautiful work of art had not been written yet, but I'm sure Margie would have loved this beautiful song. The choir is flawless.

[@nalelinaare6588]

So sorry about your loss❤❤

[@JodechonParsons]

Absolutely!

[@katiekulla5525]

Looking at the date it was recorded, it's haunting to think this was probably their last performance before pandemic lock-downs began. They probably already knew group singing was about to end for a while ... so moving. I'm glad we're back to singing together again!

[@dorianarnoldus7453]

Thanks for bringing so much love, hope and comfort to the world. Stellenbosch University Choir you are an incredible group of blessed humans! Much love.

[@hollyavillella554]

Incredible diction and musicality. They are music! Blessings!🕊️

[@cutzbarber5619]

And your smile brings us life

[@antm64]

I found myself closing my eyes and just listening to the beauty of this arrangement. No words can describe the desire for these voices to be never ending...those soprano voices were filled with calming magic. All the reasons why this choir wins accolade after accolade are evident in this performance piece. AMAZING!

[@richardlogan1021]

Amazing indeed. We need to invent new superlatives for this choir. And for van der Merwe's talent as a choral arranger. He is also the world's best

[@senyongamelekizedeki9309]

2024, 7th. i promise myself to come back 40 years to come ,just to listen to this once again. i love the work

[@rosiek2287]

Your voices are the feathers that make up the wings of the angel!! So perfect😩😱😍😍😍😍

[@karenhendricks9227]

I agree.

[@cyrilologe]

Totally agree

[@adamshook6771]

Also someone who’s been in choirs all of my life, and continuously listens to different choirs. This is, by far, the best choir performance I’ve ever heard. The harmonies, dictation… it’s unbelievably amazing. 🙏🏻

[@angelotlawrence]

I have been following your work and am an avid fan. What fascinates me most about you is the fact that each year you get new members to join the choir, yet the sound remains exactly the same. Mr van der Merwe, you Sir, deserve the highest honor of the land! You are a genius!

[@richardlogan1021]

Painfully beautiful. It seems you have no limits. You perform with exquisite beauty, but your harmonies speak of hope for your beautiful country's future, and when we look at you, we see the promise of Mandela's Rainbow Nation realized. You are the best choir in the world in many ways beyond your incomparable music.

[@susannewman4480]

One of the most beautiful performances I've ever heard. WOW. no words

[@Ebuka957]

Who is here 2020 and will still be here 2030

[@gadaffikunene4663]

I’m back in 2023

[@456fredva]

No 2024 and DV 2030

[@456fredva]

#now

[@ruthebiju1656]

Now

[@Privat-ym4sz]

This is medicine to my soul! 💛

[@MelusiBhenguthe_great]

My ideal rainbow nation. They make me so proud of being South African

[@melodylupberger8848]

Indeed. Proudly SA

[@traceyatdefiningelegance1250]

I was wondering what country they were from. Be proud, you should be. They are unbelievable.

[@tristanperrins4246]

The altos are giving me life 😍

[@IkechukwuNwagboso]

The harmony is just out of this world. You can feel the energy, the excitement.....Such a beauty to watch. They sound kinda scattered but their voices are still blending, I wonder how they do it ?

[@richardlogan1021]

If a rainbow was made of musical notes instead of colors, this is what it would sound like. But wait -- this choir IS a rainbow!

[@1committed100]

That's what makes it GREAT.

[@kevernsmith990]

So soothing... Greetings from Trinidad and Tobago from the Caribbean

[@iseunifeoluwaakinkugbe330]

It seems that God has brought some of his angelic host and messengers into the physical world through this choir; no way these voices are mere mortal voices🥹🥹❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🤧👼🕊🕊

[@MrChemenger]

this Choir ..... no words for their excellence!!!

[@shaungm1583]

❤️❤️❤️They never dissapoint😍😍

[@GodsonOgumka]

No... They NEVER do .. NEVER!! I'm always here anticipating something new

[@jerobiamjulies6381]

An amazing rendition of this song. The balance between being gentle yet impactful is truly masterclass. I don't know of any other choir who can pull off a song so beautifully with just the right amount of finesse, that it almost becomes painfully unbearable to listen because it moves you so much. Thank you! I am so proud to have been part of this choir and even more proud of how the legacy is still continuing from strength to strength, each time with a fresh burst of talented young men and women. I love you!

[@traceyatdefiningelegance1250]

Makes me emotional hearing people sing this way. They are magnificently beautiful and in the middle of the song the sopranos sound like chimes blowing in the wind. Everyone is perfectly connected. Well done guys. Brilliant.

[@andersonfunare313]

WOW!! JUST ABSOLUTELY WOW!! IF THIS ISN'T HEAVEN...THEN WHAT MUST BE? Indescribable...these young people are literally singing alongside and with their guardian angels for something so heavenly and so beautiful to hear!

[@MSmarha14]

They sound like shimmering water. Absolutely mesmerising

[@kwamephil]

*The altos are making me immobile. What an angelic choir. Greetings from Ghana🇬🇭.* 😍😍😍

[@fatsow3639]

I miss home😭😭🥺♥️❤️🌹. Stellenbosh University♥️🌹

[@matharangmorahanye4861]

This choir is like listening to angels on earth

[@michaelseckington1647]

What I love most about this choir is their commitment to the ensemble, the immersion of the self into the whole. I know of few groups as adept at it. Despite the individual talent, there are no primas or primos here. Their singing is all about the music and the power communicated by their communal effort. I submit that this is the primal but highest accomplishment of being human.

[@rainerfliege4306]

There are songs to be sung beyond mankind.

[@____1019]

WOW! IMAGINE WHAT IMPACT ALL OF THEM MUST HAVE IN THE ETHER IN THE SPIRITUAL WORLD IF THEY PUT ALL THEIR THOUGHT AND EMOTION IN THAT SONG AND IF THEY COLLECTIVELY SEE THE ANGELS IN THEIR MINDS EYE! IT MEANS THEY BRING THE ANGELS CLOSER! OUR COUNTRY REALLY NEEDS ANGELS TO MAKE EVERYTHING OK!

[@terryhart5355]

Fully agree - they sound as if they are already in heaven. Haven't sung for a year thanks to lockdown....

[@mzwaneleshange6671]

Best conductor👌..... Best choir......

[@grambyduffin1726]

Spend all your time waiting For that second chance For a break that would make it okay There's always some reason To feel not good enough And it's hard at the end of the day I need some distraction Oh a beautiful release Memories seep from my veins Let me be empty Oh and weightless and maybe I'll find some peace tonight In the arms of the angel Fly away from here From this dark cold hotel room And the endlessness that you fear You are pulled from the wreckage Of your silent reverie You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort here In the arms of the angel Fly away from here From this dark cold hotel room And the endlessness that you fear You are pulled from the wreckage Of your silent reverie You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort here

[@ChristiaanDB1]

Absolutely zero flaws...

[@hoffy63]

Such a beautiful, sensitive and evocative arrangement. Superbly sung, as always.

[@GodsonOgumka]

They never disappoint... Much love 😍

[@traceyatdefiningelegance1250]

Very emotional arrangement. I love it. I’ve listened to this so many times. It’s my favourite version, even better than the original.

[@donnaalexander7490]

It's hard to find adequate words to describe how the choir sang this beautiful song. Well done!

[@sacoolman]

Wow,the Rainbow side of South Africa.Beautiful voices and well sung.Well done to all concerned.

[@lintlehlaoli1984]

I'm here for the sopranos...... I've never heard such a beautiful melody that's made by the those sopranos...... what a masterpiece

[@ernest7420]

I need to witness these angels sing in front of my eyes and ears after this pandemic!

[@anjastorm2586]

Was hätte ich nicht alles gegeben, um damals in. DIESEM Chor singen zu dürfen!!!

[@queritavanwyk5940]

When I listen to this choir😢 Thy take me on a ocean trip on my 🚣 alone thy make sit alone and cry and cry mahn i love each and everyone's voices thy are good💛 wish oneday thy will come to Namibia🇳🇦

[@mathiassiebert1217]

I follow this exceptional choir since years and he is always, always phantastic. If you see that these students change within the years, you know why this choir is through the times so good: It's André van der Merwe. Mastermind and one of the best choirmasters of the World. And also his arrangements are superb. Like this

[@obivincent6289]

Really music unifies! Am happy to see both blacks and whites.. Colored.. Everyone producing one voice in this lovely music! This is a taste of heaven.

[@wandilenzuza5323]

NUMBER ONE SUPPORTER HAS ARRIVED!!!

[@aidanforbes2232]

How can you arrive if you never leave us, Wandi👀??

[@wandilenzuza5323]

Ncaw stop it Aidan

[@michaelroebuck1340]

After what we have seen today in South Africa this helps calm the soul. Hope the Chief & his troops listen and learn. Hate & Violence Are Not The Way.

[@kino4917]

Incredible the amount of peace brought by this song, God bless your country! Greetings from Romania 🇷🇴

[@gloriatshabalala2847]

Thank you choir you are an ochestra and your gifted soloist❤

[@lachoraleuniversitairedeni1891]

So wonderful. Thank you very much for your magical voices. From Niamey/ Niger 🇳🇪

[@purpigment]

I can hear the flutter of the angels' wings ...

[@_theclassicmaterial]

🥲2024 and these melodies still slap

[@user-be2fx8zd2u]

Das muss ich auf Deutsch schreiben. Für diesen Klang fehlen mir einfach die Worte in Englisch. Wirklich unglaublich toll! Danke! Danke für das Hörerlebnis!

[@friedhelmbruns]

Long-life dream, to sing this in choir! It's SO BEAUTIFUL!

[@luberengajohn3463]

With Love from Kampala, Uganda. Amazing voices

[@chanty_telly]

Always getting chills from them they're indeed the best ❤🇿🇦

[@lydiabusse4684]

I am absolutely enthralled with this choir. When I listen to them, I find myself lifted ot of myself ! Watch the faces and expressions of these beautiful young people.Somuch is sadly do wrong about our country, but this is one thing that is so right.

[@SamuelKGunther]

One of my favorite songs I’ve performed

[@tshepomosarwe9534]

my last concert😍😢

[@amandaferreira7536]

Tshepo Mosarwe porque foi seu último conserto? Você fazia parte do coral stellenbosch? Em que ano realmente aconteceu?

[@tshepomosarwe9534]

@@amandaferreira7536 😅 estou me formando Amanda

[@kevinkuanivi5690]

You were at-least fortunate to be apart of this beautiful choir while others as ME wish i could be.

[@Ebuka957]

Bro ..... You did well

[@richardlogan1021]

Thank you for all you gave to beauty!

[@QaphelaniMpilo]

Thanks for healing our broken hearts 🙏

[@Fionafio]

Stellenbosch bass is all I can say...🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@catherinefrederick4586]

Oh my God i wish I could be there to learn more songs you guys are so awesome and amazing choir i ever heard this is just perfect for you love you all ❤️💖😁😍

[@bennitabenza2068]

No, i am not crying . Wooow

[@christogeyser7143]

The best rendition I heard of this song👌🏼

[@anny71000]

Dieser Chor ist unglaublich schön lauschen zu dürfen❤️🙏

[@vivianecristinavicentimach5789]

If I close my eyes, I can imagine angels singing.

[@natashaapeadjei6938]

My heart, I love,love this choir. I cannot do a video without crying. How do I ever attend a concert? Anybody? I am in Ghana

[@bethfrancis9396]

Amazing conductor!! I have no words!!

[@williamc.hensel130]

Glorious music, and the heartfelt comments here wonderfully unfold the glory. This tiny grace note - among the most touching aspects of sharing this is the swaying of the singers' bodies - stalks in a breeze - not, I think, choreographed, just flowing in the Ruach/Breath/Spirit, stirring with the sound and emotion and truth in holy love. Glorious academic ensembles - and this is the epitome - are like a deciduous fruit tree - the leaves fall, the fruit is picked, and presently new blossoms appear, the leaves and fruit recur. Grace embodied, singing. Bow and hand to heart to Andre', and glory to God.

[@etiennenobel5028]

Brilliant. This is by far the best choir in the world.

[@gabbykruger9655]

I am broken in a way listening to these angelic voices . In my opinion the best you will ever hear . Dankie dat julle my so bederf . André vsn der Merwe jys n Meester 🌸

[@zipho5935]

This is the background music in heaven

[@capitolinopecas8363]

Não há dúvida que a música é a melhor comunicação do mundo inteiro....bom trabalho..,

[@futuremogopodi4952]

My favourite choir.angelic voices

[@fredsteeghs1487]

It flows, it just flows....magical. bravo!

[@michaelbarlow3544]

Subscribed. So awesome. I hope for each and every performer to be blessed as much as I feel blessed by their work. Thank you!

[@laurencopenhaver5366]

I feel like I'm hearing the song for the first time. Mr. Van der merwe your interpretation is exquisite. Hit me in the heart

[@HKTango]

OMG, I am from Hong Kong. I discover your choir only tonight by chance. Simply mesmerising sound.

[@ContourTrout8]

this is honestly and if not literally the most comforting song I have ever sung ❤thank you André.

[@benjaminmcmanus7384]

This was played at my beautiful mother’s funeral service; sang so perfectly ❤

[@user-jj4wf6gx8x]

The chimey sound they make is amazing.

[@teresadavid1165]

To God be the glory for blessing you with the gift of song.... God bless you all specially the master....much love from Angola.

[@ozzieforbes]

With the energy of the universe I hold it 2 nite Because of you! Thanks

[@hettyvanderput1350]

One of the most beautiful choirs. Thank you from Canada

[@tia6440]

Brings one to tears.

[@WHUFC71]

This is how I imagine the Angels in heaven sound like 🌹🙏🇬🇧

[@blessingmagagula502]

Thank you Stellenbosch for bringing us this choir 🙏...

[@daphneraven6745]

Stellenbisch University Choir: That may have been the single most invigorating pealing carillon vocal effect to ever reverberate my eardrums. (And among my favourite songs, too). Exquisitely delivered. Thank you.

[@berbramasai2349]

I'm in tears😪

[@anzjoduplessis3041]

I can only wish to be in a choir this good🥺💕

[@Landi638]

The energy around 1:59 feels so inspired by Aurora's music. She is my absolute favorite and the world can do with more of her sound. What a beautiful performance by the Stellies choir! Well done you amazing creatures!

[@siphelelesithebe5015]

Am feeling like gates of heavens are opening and angles are singing 😭😭😭

[@TshedzaNyadzani]

What you did here 😭😭😭😭😭…. My late sister would have bawled her eyes out. A masterpiece.

[@melodylupberger8848]

World class! Love you so much.

[@tkelvinofficial]

The best choir in the world in many ways beyond your incomparable music. It’s one thing to sing a beautiful song to an audience but it’s another to resonate a soul gratifying experience to those who listen to you. It can only be a gift from God to do that. Soulful!!!

[@Jakob8]

The unknown voice at 2:44 is amazingly soft and superb.

[@davidmake]

There is something deeply spiritual in this choir's work. Utterly captivating, achingly beautiful. Thank-you.

[@anneliegroenewald4787]

This song gives me goosebumps! Angelic sounds!