Staff Writer
The 2025 Bank Windhoek Choral Celebration ended with standing ovations and a shared sense of unity in the packed Windhoek High School hall.
The event brought together choirs and conductors from across Namibia for a weekend of music, workshops, and cultural exchange.
This year’s programme focused on capacity-building and featured a mix of performances and learning activities.
Choir clinics and a conductor’s workshop created space for growth among participants, with three selected choirs showcasing their talents at the event’s final performance.
On Friday, 6 June 2025, the conductor’s workshop drew 62 participants from nine regions: ǁKharas, Erongo, Hardap, Kavango East, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Oshana, and Otjozondjupa.
The workshop was led by South African conductor Renette Bouwer, joined by local speakers Ponti Dikuua and Bonnie Pereko.
Bouwer shared vocal exercises to improve tone, tuning, and blend.
She focused on technique, ensemble cohesion, and how to shape sound with attention to the Namibian choral identity.
“Choristers agreed they benefited from her teachings,” organisers said.
Ponti Dikuua, founder of Collective Singers, spoke about musical interpretation and how repertoire choices shape a choir’s direction.
He called for more recognition of Namibian composers and encouraged leadership development within choirs.
Bonnie Pereko, conductor of the University of Namibia (Unam) choir, explained how his choir’s internal structures improve efficiency and sustainability.
He also emphasised the need for conductors to be musically literate.
“Reading and understanding music is fundamental for overall musical excellence,” he said.
On Saturday, 7 June 2025, Bouwer held choir clinics with three groups: Curro Windhoek Gymnasium Secondary School Choir, Healing Vocals, and Namib Camerata.
The choirs were led by Berenice Böck, Alex Shiwayu, and Khoros /Howoseb. The sessions focused on vocal technique, balance, and musical interpretation.
The day ended with a public performance by the three choirs, marking the close of the 2025 Choral Celebration. Each group delivered polished performances that reflected the skills developed during the clinics.
Ponti and Miriam Dikuua, who helped coordinate the event, said the choral celebration plays a key role in Namibia’s cultural calendar.
“With everyone involved, the celebration not only showcased exceptional performances but also provided valuable educational opportunities for participants and audiences alike,” said Ponti Dikuua.
Bronwyn Moody, Bank Windhoek’s head of stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility and sponsorships, said the event reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to the arts.
“The response from performers and audiences has been extraordinary. We are proud to see how choral music continues to connect people across cultures and generations,” she said.
