Weeping - Stellenbosch University Choir

Stellenbosch University Choir
Conducted by André van der Merwe
Composer: Dan Heymann
Arranged by André van der Merwe
Choir Manager: Corné Venter: [e-mail]

[@jsbrules1]

I remember the original song, during the days of apartheid and crying. Now to hear it sung with temperance and joy, it lifts my spirit while I weep.

[@richardlogan1021]

Once again you vindicate Interkultur's ranking. It saddens me that more of the world doesn't know the ethereal beauty you make together. The world should also experience all of the ways you reach into South Africa's rich indigenous heritages to create that beauty. This arrangement is briliant not just in your usual musical ways, but also lyrically as well with the stunning inclusion of traditional lyrics of comfort into a song about fear, and South Africa knows about fear deep in its soul. You remind me of the words of the great music sage Oliver Mtukudzi who said this about African music: "The more painful the story a song tells, the more beautiful we must make the music". I really don't know how you do it. It is beyond stunning. Thank you for such a beautiful message of comfort.

[@venty1]

Glad to see you back Richard. You have been away from Stellies comments too long. Thought something had happened to you. zaza❤

[@richardlogan1021]

@@venty1 Thank you Stephen. I never miss a new release from the SU Choir. And they never fail us. How they achieve such perfect harmonies with such beautiful precision and powerful expression is simply astonishing.

[@richardlogan1021]

group precision with such great expression is astonishing.

[@venty1]

@@richardlogan1021 Indeed they never fail us. I have been following them for years now and how many new faces you see in the choir the quality of the performance never suffers. Stellenbosch University must have a conveyor belt of choral excellence. The one constant is Andre. I think I must challenge him to make me sound like an angel. I think that he could accomplish the impossible.

[@richardlogan1021]

@@venty1 The SU choir and Andre have built a culture of excellence that continues to be passed on year by year. They have done this at maybe the highest level I have ever seen in any organization. B

[@joburgerer4127]

When the 'Nkosi sikelel' came in I burst into tears without warning. What a way so start a Wednesday morning! This choir is a godsend.

[@richardlogan1021]

I understand completely. There is no choral experience anywhere that equals what the world’s greatest choir does.

[@sonofsoweto]

Greetings from a suffering congoles 🇨🇩 this song gives us hope that tomorrow is better. Thank you

[@michaelross9365]

The Stellenbosch University Choir is a national treasure! Thank you for sharing your gift of song and the joy it brings to the rest of the world. Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika! Love and best wishes from Canada.

[@peneloperandall-davis8853]

As a former opera singer , now facilitator and teacher, I am SO entranced by this choir. This , for me, is what all singing is about: authenticity, free breath and movement, great technique, and the 'wow' factor which makes my spine tingle. This is fantastically special work!

[@richardlogan1021]

You know it. And you said it.

[@richardlogan1021]

The fact that they can get all of that expression with all of that stunning harmony and all of that precision is astounding.

[@alexikaye]

Agree. Like you say, absolutely spine tingling! Brings me to tears and angelic!!

[@leahjane8849]

Realy very inspiring harmonizing so well God bless this wonderful choir

[@benjamingweru2964]

Andre is a GOAT . Stellenbosch is the best choir in the world

[@pred7949]

Yea my sister on the cahone is feeling the vibe! I'll let y'all know how many times I could listen to this on loop

[@phutipontsho116]

Are you guys for real?😭😭😭😭😭💯💯👌👌💥💥💥💥

[@lyudmilakhutorna4562]

Щирий привіт вам із співочої і квітучої України🇺🇦 Дякую за те, що зберігаєте для світу гармонію.

[@richardlogan1021]

Slava Ukraini. The Cape Town Youth Choir dedicated one of their performances to you.

[@williemongo261]

Slava Ukraini.. Hope you are still safe.. Praying for you and your family and your country.. South Africa greetings 🇿🇦

[@lyudmilakhutorna4562]

@@williemongo261 We sincerely thank you for your support, for the light you bring to this world! We hold on, we endure! 🇺🇦🙏

[@SusanMSwart]

Maestro … there are not enough accolades for you and your musical genius, working with this incredible choir. I salute you. Susan

[@brigittegledhill]

The drummers' smiles are as much as joy as the music itself ;-) Love it.

[@esenunukogbon]

The drummers were an absolute joy to watch

[@TacticalEdgeSupervisor-dm7wm]

Yep when l Said Rainbow 🌈 Nation that's what's l Mean we've Got each other's Back only Political leaders who disagree but we have each other's once Again Stellenbosch will never leave or Compromise African and International Combine Flow pick up My Choir Represents Rainbow 🌈 Nation .

[@armandtjviljoen]

Who else is asking themselves: "Why isn't this astonishing choir not on Spotify or Tidal?!". I will do it and I mean it. As long as it means that wherever I go, the choir comes with me on the road of memories called life!

[@ryansibz2532]

They are on Spotify. This song isn't though sadly

[@Patches2212]

Even though I had to eventually leave this wonderful choir, you will always be my family. Hearing you will always warm my heart, touch my soul, and brighten my life. Again, an absolutely amazing rendition of an age old masterpiece. USK will forever be amazing.

[@pebblesb7892]

U r blessed to have been a part of this movement if I may call it. If I could turn back time I would definitely have studied @ Stellenbosch. God bless our nation.

[@sonofsoweto]

Why did you leave?

[@Patches2212]

@@sonofsoweto finished my studies, starting working, and then the lockdowns happened, sadly

[@sthe_zar6341]

@@Patches2212 We're grateful for your contribution towards the recording and preservation of our cultural heritage and all that connects us as SAns.This is the greatest university choir in the world 🇿🇦🔥.

[@ScottBrown74]

It is amazing to hear this group (all it's members through the years) sing! Such a diverse and amazing group of talented individuals coming together as one! I am curious... what are the collars/necklaces (whatevers? haha) represent that the ladies wear?

[@b.h.6666]

So magical ✨️ please come for an concert to Germany 😍

[@ylcatas7329]

Europe tour is more like it

[@DJGiZable]

Stuttgart would be appreciated

[@richardlogan1021]

Wrapping the anti-apartheid song about fear, Weeping, inside comforting legendary traditional South African lyrics and music is beyond brilliant. That structure itself communicates a most powerful message of hope. That just by itself puts this piece in its own very special category. And when you add the fact that this arrangement and performance are A+ on every dimension ..... well, we need adjectives that haven't been invented yet in English -- although I do think that South Africa's indigenous languages do have some expressions that could apply.

[@Ettenyl56jioni]

This is such a soothing song. How inspiring to not only hear the incorporation of beautiful indigenous music but also realize that after four generations past the codification of Apartheid (1948), the children of Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Dutch are joyfully singing together as one.

[@laverdadluzmundana7904]

The control André has of his choir when the bass and tenor come in a bit strong at 0:25 and he immediately tones it down with a left hand gesture shows how much work they all put into this beautiful piece.

[@SU1_602]

Should they go compete globally, they are definitely bringing it home🥰🙆🏽‍♀️ Tjoee👏🏽👏🏽

[@amanda_16]

My favourite choir 😍❤️

[@natashaskudder9895]

I wish you could tour in Australia & New Zealand ❤️

[@lydiaochieng-obbo1102]

This music is extra ordinary. This choir and two others I have listened to represent the South Africa of tomorrow where everyone is united as one rainbow nation. If all could live by the messages these choirs send through music South Africa would go places. Beautiful music anytime !

[@kgallykgalallo7582]

The child would definitely stop weeping after listening to this 😍😍😍😍

[@salvationfirst9281]

While we go into uni with hopes to graduate and go back into society to make meaningful contributions, I think that one of the worst days for a SUC chorister is the day they graduate🤧

[@isahguiseppina3231]

No, I'm not crying 😭😭😭😭😭. This is so beautiful

[@phutipontsho116]

same sis same.😭😭😭😭😭

[@gaudenciachepngetich2410]

This is beautiful.. love from Kenya 👏👏

[@dominikabgottspon6695]

fantastic..... thank you for this great songs and your performance. Greetings from the Swiss Mountain... Dominik Abgottspon (ancient Singer Choir of the University of Bern / Switzerland)

[@mariaw.4780]

One of the most beautiful choirs I've ever heard: and all made up of black and white young adults. Just beautiful power here.

[@PennyEffect]

The drum girl is my spirit person😍

[@drplessisvandermerwe3240]

So sublime I am weeping. You’re voices are like those of angels and here on earth we have our own angels in this choir. André van der Merwe you are a genius

[@mjoomj]

😢😢i need to be eMzantsi whenever I hear this choir! The homesickness is strong tonight! ❤

[@rebekahjoytaylor8002]

I got goosebumps and let some milk overboil on the stove because I was enjoying this so much.

[@marcusr9135]

The way my jaw dropped from 2:14 goodness me, if I ever end up in South Africa (and I really hope i do), I would love to meet these people. I dont think I've heard a choir that's come as close as Stellenbosch to sounding so heavenly

[@MM-md7of]

This choir is like nothing else on this earth. I am so grateful to these wonderful young people and their remarkable conductor for their music.

[@craigvoortman3917]

Wow wow wow 🤩 🤩 🤩 Just love this world class choir. Must have listened to the song Die Donker (The Darkness) over 50 times! Wonderful 👌👌👌

[@isaiahaker9621]

Outstanding! you out did yourselves...yet again.

[@christinefleming9812]

It is absolutely beautiful and I would like to hear and see more of it. I visited South Africa in August. I would like to return. This intercultural work offers so much hope. And this is what South Africa needs. I wish you and the students further on the joy and passion to continue this beautiful work. The indigenous parts are so important and warms the soul! Thank you for open it to the audience.

[@christinefleming9812]

It would be great if you could go on Tours through Europe.

[@wandilekunene9588]

Guys may the good Lord bless u i love u guys so much 😂😂😂😂wow big ups to Van de merwe

[@tomtheriault4589]

I don’t understand your words, but your music … oh your MUSIC is transcendent and transnational. Bless you.

[@amysergenson482]

Best choir in the world 💜

[@PUAlum]

Wonderful to see the future of South Africa! Different color faces and beautifully harmonious voices. I pray that's a good and true sign. They'll need that to deal with the water problems we share with them here in Los Angeles! God bless these kids!!

[@soupcon6023]

I just happened across this by accident - and what a happy accident! There is definitely something unique in young voices in harmony and this was exquisite. Gorgeous arrangement and every member totally engaged - like others, when “Nkosi Sikelel’i Africa” came through, I had goosebumps! Congratulations to all and thank you so much- God bless - from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 xxx

[@universo3459]

I really enjoy listening to this choir! I admire every member!!! I wish God protect each of you!!! Receive my hug! Thank you for the wonderful work you do!

[@nothile]

I've been waiting to hear your version and Lord, Mr. Andre brought us angels on earth. The harmony and how the voices blend is exceptional.

[@joelyngdoh6908]

Best choir ever. ❤️

[@rinieverwijs1197]

To be at one of their concerts……. It must be amazing.

[@murphydouglas]

Absolutely love watching this choir sing. Every singer and percussionist is solidly committed to the music and communicating it with authenticity. Their training must be superb because their entire bodies are into it. It would be a blast to sing with such a well-trained, talented, and well-coached group. You're making the world a much better place.

[@alisonjohnson9437]

Just love this choir so much. I share a lot on Facebook and my overseas family in USA and Ireland have nothing but wonderful things to say! Your music uplifts my soul

[@dodgyhodgy49]

have always loved this song since Vusi Mahlasela recorded it. Beautiful arrangement, heavenly rendition - thankyou!

[@wolfganggrammel2857]

The interpretations of the Stellenboch University Choir are a source of life. Wonderful arrangements confirm the Baháí Faith's statement that music is the most potent of all arts, capable of touching the soul directly.

[@antm64]

The beauty of the human voice never ceases to comfort me. Seeing the joy of singing on the faces of these young people makes my heart soar! It's so nice to, once again, see this wonderful chorus in a "normal" performance setting. Thank you for sharing this outstanding group with the world! Much appreciated!!

[@ernest7420]

I thank God for this choir everyday of my life😭😭❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@willemswartz2127]

Wow! Makes me miss South Africa so much! Never heard Weeping done this way, and wow is it amazing! Love you all!

[@sonofsoweto]

Where are you living now? When will u return?

[@Rajvlad]

The SAA flight took me here……the song is just too good

[@sthe_zar6341]

Amazing is the standard when it comes to the SUC,once again well done and thank you very much 🇿🇦♥️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.

[@paulaspencer-snell7278]

Absolutely beautiful

[@miket2120]

happy tears, very happy tears

[@kumi4090]

Amazing! A sound from heaven! Beautiful voices and an incredible choir conductor!

[@hatungimanahamiss2908]

Andrè, u r the best what an arrangement u deserve to be on the top. This is absolutely amazing and sensational well done andrè and the choir at large. Respect!!!

[@crissyvanderberg7045]

Burst into tears so so amazing...dream choir❤

[@gillianroach5844]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@sizakelezuma1795]

@2:38 it is so South African . I do not know when last I was touched by the melody of the song like this.

[@Dulcitudo23059]

J adore cette chorale ! Que de talents réunis ! Wonderful !

[@barnabasbabatunde5454]

I stand in awe of this

[@user-jj4wf6gx8x]

Definitely for movie soundtrack.

[@simbarashemudzimu3453]

Wow

[@tantaswagubevu3716]

I just love this choir and become teary eyed every time I listen to it

[@valentinokhoja5886]

Oh wow!

[@garypatnosh7566]

Total joy

[@karabothakhuli8225]

I would so love a full rendition of Thula Sana at the beginning of the song by this choir 😍. But even this rendition takes me to heavenly places

[@ronitshefi1]

WOW!!!

[@tbangbangsa]

That was phuxing amazing 🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@amarachukwuokolie5258]

I really wish I could be part of this choir 💯💯

[@alexikaye]

Wow.

[@kungpowninja]

This Choir is simply the best! They help you to feel the music and appreciate their heritage through the songs and hymns. I have been listening for months to this choir and the Choirmaster is amazing. The talent they have is truly unbelievable.

[@Grooooootlady19]

My favourite song 🫵🏽🫵🏽🔥

[@soozie3202]

beautiful.

[@masongovender9231]

WoW , Amazing rendition of Bright Blue's Weeping. 👌

[@Tiko-jq9fl]

awesome all the way from germany. simply love the Choir

[@alexmenu6706]

❤️

[@calebfelix6880]

ugh mooi!!!!!!

[@manomaisse9201]

Best choir in the world

[@mburrito57939]

Maties vir ALTYD!!

[@poriol]

Oooh, such a GREAT pleasure to discover one more beautifully mastered song !!! I was worried not to hear anything new from the choir ! I may be able to sleep well tonight 😉! Thanks to all, from a fan in France l

[@abonaphilxenousel-muharraq5935]

Heavenly intimacy. I’m grateful for giving me such window on angles chanting. Coptic monk

[@cornelmasson4610]

Masterpiece arrangement and performance! I remember that song so well from my days at Maties, attending a Bright Blue gig in Die Gat, nogal.

[@gerdaendemann9308]

I just so love your amazing musical performance . It always makes my days to get this treat for my ears. Thank you so much ❤️

[@VMMv35124]

О наконец-то новая порция позитива и прекрасного пения

[@joshuad.furumele365]

03:27 this moment!!! Dammit!

[@samkelomene2501]

Oh sthandwa sam lentombi ibetha drums 🪘

[@riccardoruotolo6862]

An experience of a lifetime for every one of the musicians. WOW!!!

[@JazzbabyHues]

Goosebumps! Stunning

[@Lspickard]

Now I am weeping! So beautiful.

[@geraldarcuri9307]

So unique, so disciplined, so powerful! Bravissimo!

[@Nmesomachukwu]

Whaaaaatttttttt I'm definitely in love here😍❤

[@chijiokeenyia202]

So beautiful and pure!!! ❤️❤️❤️✨ Always doing the most!! God bless y’all.

[@eronimatai9867]

This choir never disappoints, my heart is so full hearing their perfectly blended voice..❤..

[@kvarta_lv]

Fantastic performance and incredible arrangement! Bravo maestro Andre!

[@jojoflower]

I wish I could sing like this, every song is so precious. Greatings from germany