ABOUT TUKS CAMERATA
55 Years of Choral Excellence
The TUKS Camerata is one of the four official choirs of the University of Pretoria.
"TUKS" as the university is colloquially known is an institution that welcomes students from all walks of life. The choir was established in 1968 and celebrates 55 years in 2023. We have seen many changes alongside our beautiful country.
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The TUKS Camerata has received many national and international accolades throughout the years. The choir’s mission is to contribute towards the cultural development of the student body, to enrich the broader community by means of choral singing and to act as cultural ambassadors of the University of Pretoria.
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The TUKS Camerata falls under the auspices of the University of Pretoria Arts Department in the Faculty of Humanities and consists of approximately 80 full-time students from a variety of study fields including medicine, engineering, education, economics, accounting, law, languages and music.
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The choir, much like our country, is richly diverse and we strive to be a reflection of the rainbow nation that is South Africa. We perform a variety of genres and styles and aim to be a versatile instrument in itself. Our motto is to always be extraordinary.
HISTORY
A Tradition of Excellence
The Camerata was officially established on 20 March 1968.
Our mission is to make a contribution towards the cultural development of the student corps and the cultural enrichment of the community by means of choral singing.
The choir also endeavours to promote a worthy image of the University of Pretoria by striving towards the highest possible artistic standards, together with a code of conduct that meets the highest requirements of companionship. Each conductor always employs high artistic values.
The choir has previously been conducted by:
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Adolf Theron
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Willem van Tonder
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Petru Gräbe
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Prof. Johann van der Sandt (January 1999 – June 2008)
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Richter Grimbeek (from August 2008; as interim)
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Christo Burger (January 2009 – June 2012)
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Walter Butt (from July 2012; as interim)
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Dr. Michael Barrett (April 2013 – April 2025)
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Mrs Renette Bouwer (from April 2025; as interim)
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Camerata through the decades
2024:
2023:
2022:
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uJehova - Traditional South African Choral Music released on all streaming platforms
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Camerata and Joshua Na die Reen Nominated for an Aitsa Award
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Performance with Anton Armstrong and the St Olaf College Choir (USA)
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Kuesta University Festival Hosted at the University of Pretoria Camerata
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Performance with Dr Cameron LaBarr and the Missouri State University Chorale (USA)
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Performance with Dr Kent Hatteberg and the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers (USA)
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International Concert Tour to the United Kingdom
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Performance with Voces 8 In London
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Performances with Mat Wright (MBE) and the Barnsley Youth Choir (UK)
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World Premiere of "I Was Love" (Jake Runestad) conducted by the composer and performed jointly in Barnsley with the Barnsley youth Choir (Mat Wright)
2021:
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Released our latest album called "Written in the Stars"
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Filmed a music video with renowned filmmaker Andrew Timm
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Released a number of music videos available to watch on YouTube
2020:
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Participated in a virtual choir project alongside the Barnsley Youth Choir
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Conducted online interviews with prominent choral conductors and composers like Eric Whitacre, Stacey Gibss, Ralf Scmhitt and Mat Wright
2019:
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Performed at the GHOEMA Musiek Toekenings (Music Awards), Sun Arena Times Square
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Performed alongside Nataniel in his concert Classic Nataniel.
2018:
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Performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Choir Games 2018 Tshwane, Sun Arena Times Square
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Indodana nominated for South African Music Awards (SAMA)
2016:
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Performed at the KykNET Fiëstas Awards Ceremony, Pretoria State Theatre;
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Performed with Joshua na die Reën and Corlea Botha at the inniBos Festival at the Sudwala Caves;
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Appear on Joshua na die Reën’s latest CD “Die Wêreld binne my”.
2015:
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Phoenix nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA);
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Invited to participate in Super Skouspel with special UK guest artist Susan Boyle, FNB Stadiu, Soweto;
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Participated at Kuesta University Choirs Festival hosted by NMMU, Port Elizabeth
2014:
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Performed at the KykNET Fiëstas Awards Ceremony, Pretoria State Theatre;
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Live performance on Morning Live SABC2 Breakfast TV Show;
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Named Champions at the 8th World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia;
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Performed at the National Department of Sport and Recreation’s Indigenous Games Gala Dinner;
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Represented the University of Pretoria at the Huisgenoot Skouspel music extravaganza at Sun City;
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Released CD - Phoenix;
2017:
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Named Champions at the Grand Prix of Nations in Riga, Latvia
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Performed at the 11th World Choral Symposium on Choral Music to be held in Barcelona, Spain
2013:
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Performed at the memorial service of former President Nelson Mandela, UP Campus;
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Invited to participate in the prestigious RMB Starlight Classics with international Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins, among others, conducted by Richard Cock and directed by Ian von Memerty;
2012:
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Released CD, Voices of Autumn;
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Performed at the re-opening of the Aula, UP.
2010:
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Bratislava Advent and Christmas Music Festival, Winners in the Adult Mixed Choirs category;
OUR INTERIM CONDUCTOR
"Be extraordinary"
MRS RENETTE BOUWER
Renette Bouwer, conductor of the University of Johannesburg Choir until June 2024, was appointed the Interim Conductor of TUKS Camerata from 1st April following the resignation of Dr. Michael Barrett. She will be supported by two talented young conductors: Camerata’s assistant conductor Hano van der Walt as well as Bronwen Anderson, a Master of Music student in Choral Conducting, who will lead the Camerata in their performances in April and May this year.
MEET THE COMMITTEE
LIANDRÉ GREYLING
CHAIRPERSON
Field of Study:
LLB
CURRENT MEMBERS
Doing What They Love
Membership of the choir is open to all registered students of the University of Pretoria younger than 30 years.
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Candidates need to successfully pass an audition in order to be accepted into the choir.
The exact number of choristers differs between choir years.
SOPRANOS
SOPRANO 1​
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Alida Maria Prinsloo
Anja Parsons
Juandi Boshoff
Liandré Greyling
Mia Peenze
Michelle Meister
Taylor Frasor
Zané Staurt
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SOPRANO 2​
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Anieke Burger
Bronwen Anderson
Daniella Kinja Lushamba
Debbie Pieters
Lesego Katlego Maifadi
Londeka Sethu Mbokane
Nomaswazi Mdluli
Shané Sutherland
Sithabile Mhlanga
Sonique Deysel
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