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OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The South Cape Children's Choir and South Cape Youth Choir are finally back in South Africa after their flight from Brussels to Dubai was cancelled on Monday evening, 4 May, due to inclement weather.
They achieved remarkable honours after delivering exceptional performances at the 74th European Music Festival for Young People (EMJ) in Pelt, Belgium, one of the continent's most respected youth music gatherings.
The 2026 vocal edition of the festival, held from 30 April to 4May, brought together approximately 100 chil-dren's and youth choirs and nearly 4 000 young musicians from across the world.
Double second prizes for South Africa's Young Ambassadors
Competing against 60 leading ensembles from Europe and beyond, both South Cape choirs secured second prizes in their respective competition categories.
The South Cape Children's Choir participated in the Pennant Series for Equal-Voiced Youth Choirs and was awarded a second prize for its vibrant energy, musical discipline, and expressive interpretation.
Equally impressive was the achievement of the South Cape Youth Choir, which also earned a second prize at its very first international competition. Adjudicators praised the choir's rapid artistic growth, challenging programme and confident stage presence.
These accomplishments are particularly significant considering the young age and relative inexperience of many choir members.
Standing ovation at prestigious EMJ showcase
In addition to their competition success, the South Cape choirs received one of the festival's highest honours when they were selected as one of only six choirs worldwide to perform at "The Happening," EMJ's prestigious showcase concert featuring the event's most outstanding ensembles.
Performing before thousands of spectators in the Dommelhof Indoor Stadium, the combined choirs delivered a vibrant and emotionally charged programme that brought the audience to its feet in a full standing ovation, the only such ovation of the evening.
Their inclusion in this showcase concert stands as one of the most significant recognitions a participating choir can receive at the EMJ.
Conductor proud of choirs' growth
Conductor Jan-Erik Swart expressed great satisfaction with the artistic growth shown by both choirs, particularly in the demanding Western Art Music repertoire prescribed for the competition, combined with their dynamic African-ethnic programme that showcased the distinctive power of South African choral artistry on the international stage.
"Their achievements at the EMJ reflect not only musical excellence, but also the dedication, discipline and joyful spirit that define these young performers," Swart said.
"I am extremely proud of them and look forward to further developing their voices in preparation for the World Choir Games."
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