South African choral music is far richer than any single tradition can capture – it spans indigenous vocal practices, mission-era hymnody, contemporary gospel, and boundary-pushing new art music, all woven together by a shared rhythmic and vocal DNA. This workshop takes participants inside that world, examining the acoustic characteristics, rhythmic structures, and vocal traditions that define South African choral singing .
Dr. Michael Barrett draws on his extensive experience as a conductor, scholar, and consultant to unpack performance practice across this spectrum—from traditional repertoire to contemporary compositions—while grounding the discussion in the cultural and historical context that gives the music its meaning.
Sessions will cover pronunciation across South African languages, choral resonance and blending techniques distinctive to the region’s vocal traditions, and the rhythmic coordination that underpins so much of this repertoire. For conductors, the workshop offers practical, actionable strategies for bringing authentic South African elements into their own ensembles— from repertoire selection to stylistic interpretation that respects the music’s roots.
This is an experiential workshop as much as an academic one: participants will sing, move, dance and engage directly with the material, discovering firsthand the inseparable relationship between voice, rhythm, and movement that defines South African choral performance.
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