BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MBABANE– Choir conductors displayed remarkable improvement in handling live orchestral accompaniment during a rehearsal workshop held at the Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU) on Sunday as preparations intensified for the highly anticipated Standard Bank Choral Music Competition.
The training session, which brought together conductors from competing choirs and the Mbabane Chamber Orchestra, focused on strengthening coordination between choir directors and live instrumentation ahead of the competition set for Sunday at Esibayeni Lodge.
Mbabane Chamber Orchestra Executive Director Dr Hee Jung Kim praised the visible growth shown by the conductors during the rehearsals, describing the progress as impressive compared to previous years.
“After yesterday’s workshop and rehearsals, I confidently said that the level of growth we witnessed was truly impressive,” said Dr Kim.
She explained that one of the biggest challenges in past competitions involved conductors struggling to adapt choir direction to live orchestral accompaniment, which demanded precision, confidence and proper timing.
However, during the latest rehearsals, conductors demonstrated stronger tempo control, improved coordination and better interaction with instrumentalists throughout the musical sessions.
“The conductors displayed much better coordination, improved tempo control and stronger interaction with the orchestra compared to previous years,” she said.
Inside the EMCU music department, the atmosphere transformed into an intense musical training ground as conductors tested orchestral timing, communication skills and musical transitions while leading their choirs.
Dr Kim further noted that several conductors who previously appeared uncertain while working with live instrumentation now displayed stronger leadership, confidence and composure during rehearsals.
She added that the improvements witnessed during the workshop extended beyond the competition itself, saying the growth would contribute significantly towards the development of choral and orchestral music in Eswatini.
“What excited me most was that this growth was not only benefiting the competition, but it was also contributing to the development of choral and orchestral music in the country,” she added.
Choirs were expected to continue with final rehearsals before taking centre stage at the Standard Bank Choral Music Competition at Esibayeni Lodge.
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(Courtesy Pics)
