Alumni choir members gathered at UP’s Groenkloof Campus on May 17 to meet up with friends and colleagues. Mr Adolf Theron, Tukkie Choir conductor from 1968 to 1975, Prof. Petru Grabe, conductor from 1979 to 1998 and Prof. Johann van der Sandt, Tuks Camerata’s conductor from 1999 to 2008 soon had alumni choir members joining voices with the current choir.

Although some of the Alumni choir members have not been part of a choir for 40 years, they have not neglected their love for music and the pure sounds that reverberated around the auditorium was testimony to the high standards the UP Choirs have always maintained. Music proved to be a universal language that bridges all generation gaps. The “golden oldie” medleys brought back treasured memories.

It was clear that although some choir members may have aged slightly in body of the past 40 years, the caliber of character remained untouched by time. The same drive, love for choral music, humour and passion for life shone through.

Alumni choir members were amazed by the choir memorabilia that has been carefully preserved over the years and was displayed at the reunion. Many members excitedly recounted memories as the paged through the choir journals of the past 40 years. There was general agreement that the choir remained so successful over the years because of the wonderful golden moments it celebrated – from warm applause in the small town of Moorreesburg to ovations at international competitions in Italy.

The current Tuks Camerata is made up of fulltime students studying in a variety of disciplines.

The choir was formed 40 years ago by a group of UP students who were passionate about choral singing and this passion still burns brightly in every choir member’s heart. The road ahead for Tuks Camerata seems even more sure to be paved with success after the reunion, as the choir now not only has a clear vision of where it is heading, but also of its proud heritage.

Johann van der Sandt, Petru Grabe and Adolf Theron

Choir members page through old journals

Young and old celebrated the choir's 40th birthday