Meet our Astonishing Alto: René Pretorius #Vox_Tribe
Q: What is your day job? A: I am an Industrial Psychologist, specialising in medico-legal work and a second-year Ph.D student with a research focus on objective intrapersonal behavioural nuances and psychometry. I am also the proud Ministress of Fash(ion) at Vox Chamber Choir.
Q: How many years have you been singing in a choir? A: After many years of singing it becomes hard to keep track, but give-or-take, I have been singing in various choirs for approximately eight years. My choir career has its foundation in the University of Pretoria’s Camerata Choir and I have been a member of the Vox Chamber Choir since 2018.🤩 Q: What has been your most memorable experience with Vox to date? A: An almost impossible question to answer as there have been countless memorable moments as a Voxie. One of the first unforgettable memories that comes to mind was performing with my fellow Voxies in the breathtakingly beautiful St Peters Kirche in Vienna, Austria. It was one of our first performances during our European tour in 2019, and I recall being dumb struck by the beauty and architecture of the cathedral, the acoustics and the absolute privilege of sharing the moment with people I cherish dearly. It was a holy moment for me. Swimming in Lake Garda in Sirmione, Italy, surrounded by swans, castle ruins and the Alps was another memory I will certainly cherish for many years to come.🥰 Q: What do you enjoy the most about being part of Vox? A: Cliché as it may sound, we truly are a family. Not only do we share beautiful music, but we also share joy, heartache, laughs, tears and each of us know that a caring shoulder is only a shout-out away. We are more than a mere group of people who come together once a week to rehearse and perform music. “Huis vir my hart”…
Q: Which piece is your favourite that you have performed with Vox Chamber Choir? A: "Plant vir my ‘n Boom, Andre" by our conductor, Franco Prinsloo. It resonates with and relates to me deeply on a very personal level. Listen to it here on our newly released album:
Q: What do you look forward to the most with Vox Chamber Choir? A: Our "Requiem - a Choral Balet" concert for the end of this year. A unique and exciting experience awaits you all! #keep_an_eye_on_our_socials Q: In which Vox-Tet (our octets) are you? A: I’m a proud member of "Die Heilige Hildegard Harmoniste" (Team Red❤️), current holders of the very sought after "Jano Oberholze Wisseltrofee" for Vox-tet of the Year 2022 (yes, we will be taking home the title again in 2023, the other must watch out…), and proud winners of the annual "Vox Camp Potjiekos Competition" for 2023 #cant_touch_this
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be? A: I would eliminate the existence of Crocs, outlaw the wear of socks with “plakkies” and ban the wear of glitter eye shadow. World peace will surely follow.
Q: What are you reading/binge watching at the moment: 1. Reading - Academic journal articles by the hundreds; 2. Watching - I only recently finished binge watching "Donkerbos" on Showmax, which was hands-down the best series I ever watched. We recorded the choral soundtrack during our tour to Cape Town in June, 2022. Franco composed this soundtrack and we recorded it in studio. Go watch it now! You will be hooked. Q: Name another hobby/interest you participate in? A: I enjoy being creative, so any activity that allows me to give wings to my creative tendencies. I enjoy playing piano, painting, colouring and design of any sort. I also enjoy a jog at the end of a work day to unwind and rewire.🥳 Q: Name a section in "Kruis van Liefde" that gives you goosebumps every time: A: Without a doubt, "XIV. Dink aan my". I can sing this piece a thousand times over and find a new perspective and meaning in the message every time, and be touched by the music all over again. Listen to it here:
Get your tickets for 15 March, Kruis van Liefde, live at NG Universiteitsoord, Pretoria here. You do not want to miss this magical choral experience: https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/kruis-van-liefde-vox-chamber-choir Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? A: I would love to travel to Portugal and Spain for its beauty, Ireland and Scotland for its mystery and magic, and Jerusalem for its history.
📸 Photo Credit: The beyond amazing, Yolandi Jacobsz - Loci Photography Conductor and Composer of the Vox Chamber Choir: Franco Prinsloo Composer/Conductor