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CHOIRMASTER AND ACCOMPANIST

Choirmaster: Henk Barnard

Henk Barnard obtained the degree B.Mus at the University of Potchefstroom (1976) and B.Mus Hon at the University of Pretoria (1977). He started teaching in 1977 at Hoërskool Goudrif, where he started the Music Centre. From 1977 to 1983 he conducted the Germiston Youth Band, one of the very first Youth Orchestras in the country, which won the first International Eisteddfod at Roodepoort in the Orchestral Section. He was co-conductor of the Goudrif Choir, which was always among the top 3 choirs in the then Administrators choir Competition. He accompanied many students for exams and Eisteddfodau.

Henk conducted the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra for a period of five months; staged several operettas and revues and finally went to Sienna in Italy, where he obtained an International Diploma in Orchestral Conducting at the Academia Musicale Chigiana, under the guidance of Maestro Franco Ferrara. In 1984, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) employed him where he held the position of Specialist Producer: Music. His duties included the daily making of recordings and CDs with local and international artists, conductors and orchestras. For the past 18 years, he has adjudicated many Eisteddfodau, Choir Competitions and Military band competitions. Organisations like the A.T.K.V., Unisa and universities use him as continuity judge and examiner for all major competitions countrywide as well as in other African countries. He also conducted the Alberton Chamber Choir for a period of five years. Since February 1997, when he left the SABC, he has made many CDs for clients on a freelance basis, many of which have been released internationally. He assisted the new radio-station, Classic FM, to establish their choral slot. He started the Con Spirito Music Academy in Alberton. In 1997 Henk was appointed Choir Master of the Colla Voce Youth Choir, then known as the Southern Gauteng Youth Choir. At present he is the conductor of the Colla Voce Youth Choir, the East Rand Children’s Choir, the Helderkruin Children's Choir as well as the Alberton High School Girl's Choir. Henk frequently presents choir conductor courses and master-classes. Barring musical activities, he loves travelling, collecting antique furniture and Persian rugs, and he plays a social game of golf. He is married to Jenny and has two lovely daughters.

Accompanist: Marga Sander

Marga obtained her B. Mus (Hon) degree at the Potchefstroom University for Higher Christian Education under the guidance of Bernarda Swart. She also received tuition in accompanying from Anna Bender and singing under guidance of Sarie Lamprecht. Marga is the music director of the University of Johannesburg Song and Dance Company.