Before carrying the sound of South Africa to one of the world’s most prestigious choral events, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Choir is inviting local audiences to experience the performance that will soon captivate an international stage.
On Saturday, 15 August 2026, the acclaimed ensemble will present its UJ Choir Farewell Concert at the UJ Arts Centre’s Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre in Auckland Park. More than a concert, the event serves as an emotional send-off as the choir prepares to represent South Africa and the African continent at the World Symposium on Choral Music 2026 in Macau, China.
A Historic Invitation for South African Choral Music
The upcoming international performance marks a significant milestone for the UJ Choir.
Chosen from hundreds of choirs worldwide, the University of Johannesburg Choir is one of only 13 ensembles invited to perform at the prestigious World Symposium on Choral Music 2026. Even more remarkable, it is the only choir representing the African continent.
Adding to this honour, the choir has also been selected to officially open the symposium programme—a distinction reserved for some of the world’s leading choral ensembles.
The invitation places the choir at the heart of one of the global choral community’s most respected gatherings, bringing together conductors, composers, educators, scholars and internationally recognised choirs from across the world.
Sharing South Africa’s Musical Identity
The Farewell Concert offers Johannesburg audiences the first opportunity to experience the complete programme that will be performed in Macau.
Firmly rooted in the choir’s distinctive identity, the repertoire showcases works composed and arranged predominantly by South African musicians, celebrating the country’s rich musical heritage through language, rhythm, storytelling and contemporary African choral expression.
The programme reflects the diversity and creativity of South African music while presenting an authentic representation of African excellence on the global stage.
The symposium’s 2026 theme, “Reimagining the Future,” aligns closely with the University of Johannesburg’s commitment to innovation, creativity, African excellence and the transformative role of the arts.
A Performance Before the World Watches
For choir supporters, alumni, music lovers and Johannesburg’s broader choral community, the Farewell Concert represents a rare opportunity to witness the performance before it reaches international audiences.
According to Sizwe Mondlane, Senior Choirmaster of UJ Choir, the concert is as much about gratitude as it is about preparation.
“This concert is for everyone that has supported, encouraged and carried us to this point. Before we take South African choral music to Macau, we want to share this programme with them. We want people to experience it and then send it off into the world with the utmost confidence of authentic representation.”
An Afternoon Celebrating African Excellence
UJ Arts & Culture is encouraging audiences to join the choir for what promises to be an inspiring afternoon of music and storytelling.
As the choir prepares to showcase South Africa’s artistic excellence before an international audience, the Farewell Concert provides a meaningful opportunity for local supporters to celebrate the journey and send the ensemble off with pride.
Event Details
UJ Choir Farewell Concert
Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Time: 15:00 – 16:30
Venue: UJ Arts Centre, Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Tickets: R100 per person via Quicket.
