Young choir voices reverberate againNine school choirs celebrate the Taalmonument’s 50th on a high note
After a few years of silence, the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM’s) much-loved school choir festival returns to Paarl Mountain. On THURSDAY, 2 OCTOBER 2025, nine talented choirs from eight schools will fill the Amphitheatre with their bright voices…nearly 50 years after the monument itself was inaugurated in that very theatre with choral music on 10 October 1975!
This year’s festival promises to shine even brighter under the guidance of the acclaimed performing artist Whaden Johannes. This actor, singer and songwriter from Mamre has, despite a relatively short career, already proven that his passion for singing and drama is his true calling. Since taking part in the ATKV-Crescendo mentorship programme in 2016, he has made a name for himself as one of South Africa’s rising stars – admired for his musical talent and sparkling stage presence.
The multilingual choir festival offers schools a unique opportunity to share their love of music in a non-competitive atmosphere, to build new connections, and to celebrate the joy of choral singing together with families and supporters. This year, the participating schools are Hoërskool Bellville, Hoërskool De Kuilen, Ebenezer Primêr, Paulus Joubert Primêr, La Rochelle Primêr, Laerskool Mikro, Laerskool Paarl Gimnasium and Hoërskool Tygerberg.
Gates open at 17:00 and the choir performances begin at 18:00. Food and drink stalls as well as secure parking will be available. Visitors are advised to bring warm clothing, but no fires, dogs, own food or drinks will be allowed.
Admission is only R120 per adult and R80 per learner. Tickets are available at quicket.co.za or at the gate. For more information, visit taalmuseum.co.za/wat-gebeur or contact Stefanie Rasztabiga at
a29tbXVuaWthc2llIHwgdGFhbG11c2V1bSAhIGNvICEgemE= or 021 863 0543. Read more about Whaden at crescendo.org.za/en/whaden-johannes.
Also check out other Entertainment events in Paarl, Music events in Paarl, Arts events in Paarl.
