XX Anniversary is the 8th CD to come from the acclaimed Stellenbosch Libertas Choir stable. Recorded in the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch by Gerhard Roux from SUN Recording Studios, this is only the second of the Libertas Choir CD’s not recorded in front of a live audience.

The 21-track album also features well-know SA artists Laurinda Hofmeyr (26 November 1975) and Anna Davel (Hoe stil kan dit word as sedoos gaan lê), who sing the solo parts for their own compositions. Zorada Temmingh (organ), Schalk Joubert (bass guitar) and Suzanne de Villiers (alt violin) are also featured as part of the musical accompaniment for the choir. The song arrangements, as well as the musical production of the CD, was done by Gerhard Niemand. He also accompanies the choir on the piano, accordion and keyboard on the album.

In addition to hauntingly beautiful classical tracks, including 4 excerpts from G.F Handel’s “Israel in Egypt”, and choral works by the composers J. S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Sergei Rachmaninoff and John Rutter, the CD showcases the choir’s love for contemporary and traditional music from South African soil.

Since its inception, the Libertas Choir has been an outspoken example of multi-cultural cooperation and racial integration. The choir consists of members of different ages, languages and cultural groups, brought together by a shared passion for singing and music. The CD contains tracks that have become synonymous with the choir, which is celebrating its 21st birthday this year.

Songs on the album that have become Libertas Choir performance favourites include Chris Torr’s epic “Hot Gates” (made famous by his wife, Laurika Rauch), Dan Heyman’s protest song “Weeping”, a medley containing “Karoonag” by Coenie de Villiers and a unique arrangement for female voices of Koos du Plessis’ “Kinders van die Wind”. There are also traditional Xhosa and Sotho tracks on the CD, and a medley of church music from the coloured community.

For more information on the Libertas Choir, and information on how to order a copy of XX Anniversary, please visit the website http://www.libertas.co.za, or contact Louwina de Villiers on .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) .