A GOLD medal won by the Voices of Namibia choir in China yesterday morning will hopefully have culture sceptics ‘bite their tongues’.
So said choir coordinator Rolf Hansen about the victory of this 37-member choir at the sixth World Choir Games.
The singing men and women scooped a gold medal in the folklore (professional round) category. The championships took place in Shaoxing in China.Apart from the gold medal, the group will also be bringing back two silver medals for performances in the mixed choir and folklore choreography categories.According to Hansen, there was a lot of scepticism about the recently established choir before they left for China. As a result, they struggled to find sponsors and the members had to each fork out at least N$12 000 to make the trip a reality. He said in the end hard work paid off. ‘We worked very hard to make this a reality.’The choir’s victory will hopefully lead to bigger investment in cultural activities, Hansen said.’So much is done for sport [in this country] and this truly is a victory for culture.’Speaking from China, choir member and co-organiser of the tour Lydia Auala said the group has made many new friends and contacts ‘and we did what we Africans always aim to do – our best’.Hansen said since the news broke about the choir’s performance, his phone has been ringing non-stop with congratulatory messages streaming in.Renowned Namibian choir expert Ernst van Biljon is the conductor of the choir. They are expected back in Namibia on Sunday.
