I sang in the Stellenbosch University choir for 5 years and been following you & learning the best vowel technique for singing and to see you finally react to SUC made my day 🫶🏼
Yes he does every arrangement. Has won numerous world competitions. Considered one of the best choirs in the world. Andre is unbelievable. He's an institution in SA.
You're right. This performance was magical and memorable. Nobody remembers mediocrity. The energy and enthusiam that a group or an individual performer pours into a performance shows that they care about what they're doing and that they enjoy what they're doing. Watching performances like this is just pure fun. Also, if you kick through a wall, don't forget to put your shoes on beforehand (beforefoot?).
I love that you have highlighted Stellenbosch. Yes, the conductor is the arranger. Andrè van Merwe inspires all who know him. Google their other performances. His passion, dedication and knowledge is second to none.
From the first time I heard Baba Yetu performed by Angel City Chorale, I knew immediately that this was a very spiritual song, such an incredible chorale and orchestral composition, and Christopher’s arrangement for a video game is incredible. I was thrilled to see that you had reached to this, thank you ❤.
This choir makes me proud to be South African. To me, they are a beautiful example of my country. Black, white, and mixed-race all singing together, it is just beautiful.
Was playing civ4 when it first came out... kept playing the theme song over and over. The third transition always got me how it was sang with such a driving beat, I didn't know why. So when I translated baba yetu... and found out what this song really was I cried. You need not only energy with this song, you get passion from what the text is. Our Father.
This year is my 6th year as a member of this choir and it was so much fun watching you interpret and react to our video! What you said about memorizing music and the elements we work on in rehearsals is 100% accurate. Thank you for your support!
Nick, I met this choir and their conductor at a choral competition and festival in Sochi Russia 8 years ago and have been a fan ever since hearing them. I still tell friends that I listen to their recordings a lot and they're one my best vocal groups till this day. I made a few friends from there too including one of the two improv soloists in this rendition. You should review of one of their African-Amercian Spirituals video recordings like "Plenty Good Rooms." My favorite recording from them is "The Conversion of Saul" by Z. Randall Stroope that they performed at the 2016 Varsity Sing in South Africa. The singing, choreography and passion exterted into their performance is not unmatched. One of the singers was generous to give me the score then in Russia. They are an incredible choir and I can't speak highly enough of them and their conductor, Andre.
I've watched many reactions for this piece from SUC but never came across a reaction from choral expert of your caliber. I've subscribed so I can follow some of your very educational reactions. Great reaction
Excellent review of a great performance. Seeing the diversity of faces coupled with the awesome voices just is so deeply emotional. How anyone could watch this the first time and not have a tear come to their eye!
Baba yetu, this 2018 video is perhaps the most watched choir group on TH-cam. The music, the choir and the conductor put on a beautiful show of a very well prepared performance. For me, this video is a celebration of the best in the human species. I've watched it dozens of times. The composer is Christopher Tin.
The choir performs so well because their director is incredible...leadership makes all the difference. This choir sets the standard for everyone else! Very enjoyable analysis of this performance. Your musical life experiences have just been greatly increased by your discovery of this choir...quite surprised you hadn't heard of Stellenbosch earlier. Nice!
I remember the first time I played Civilization IV I had to stop at the main menu for a long time just to listen to this. It sets the perfect mood for the game.
Wonder what it is like for them to perform this at Llangollen, where Tin himself has conducted it twice, and just kill it like this. Such a wonderful representation of their school, S.A., and Africa in general. Amazing performance. There is a moment late where you can see Andre getting emotional about the performance of HIS amazing arrangement. He is so happy for the performance and for his kids. That it is a multicultural, South African group perfectly representing another African language is just so amazing. Just such an amazing performance and my favorite arrangement of this song that I love. I am curious if the two spoken word performers at the end are native East Africans. Seems likely they are, but dunno.
love your content! The way you pronounced Van der Merwe had me rolling on the floor. For reference, it sounds something like Van (FUN) der (thunDER) Mer- (MAveric) -we (VIntner)
Watching my Alma maters choir always gives me chills. It's even better live in the little hall where they practice. I would love to see you listening to In die Donker.
I would love to see your reaction of another song from this choir. The song is called Nkosi sikelel iafrika, its and amazing work that is just mind-blowing. Love your content
Hey Nick, I'm new here, but would love to hear you talk about Waloyo Yamoni - I have watched the live at Cadogan Hall video (with the Angel City Chorale) dozens and dozens of times and it never fails to give me chills.
One thing I notice about this choir versus many choirs is how freely they move. It seems that a lot of choirs push for a level of stoicism and reverence, especially when if comes to religious songs, when performing. These you folks are almost dancing as they sing.. it's infectious and really adds to the "brightness" of the song, as you have said in a number of videos. I really love the culture that Mr. Van De Mewr has created and it's clear that his singers appreciate it too.
Yes Nick, Andre is the conductor and also responsible for this arrangement. SU choir is made up of 120 students. They've been going strong since 1936, with Andre taking the helm in 2003. (World no.1 amateur choir ranking since 2012)
Yini ibaba yetu ? sounds like I'm listening to mziniwensizwa Chirwali it's "baba wethu"😅they sing nice Mzansi 🇿🇦will rock you every SA knows how to sing do this when sad, happy ❤
I think the conductor did make the arrangement, because the style is similar to other songs they perform (and he is the same conductor in all of them). Also, it is different from all other covers of the song, that I've heard(:
I know you already reacted to Yerushalayim by the Miami Boys Choir a year ago, but you should react to Yavo by them too! I personally think it’s a lot better and so much more fun! You get to see the soloists shine a lot more
Hi! South African here. I don’t know what the colors signify but they do look like they are making a nod to traditional dress. Necklaces are significant in cultural dress and colors mean different things to different tribes.
I wonder if the Chicago Children's Choir-now Uniting Voices Chicago, but I'll never call them that-has a recording of this? They do a lot of South African music, thanks to conductor and alum Mollie Stone. They're a much better choir than this, honestly.
@@gitasong In the opinion of the world choir championships that they've dominated for a decade now, scoring the highest grading ever achieved by any choir in the process.
Watch 15 year old Emma Kok sing with Andre Rieu: th-cam.com/video/X8najW2a0Nk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=__YkBXN5QdOGJmYc
I sang in the Stellenbosch University choir for 5 years and been following you & learning the best vowel technique for singing and to see you finally react to SUC made my day 🫶🏼
Wow that’s so cool! Glad those two worlds have come together for you! Do you have any other recommendations for me? Thanks a million!!
Would definitely recommend ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’ 😍
@@nickhiggsthesingercheck out some nights!
Yes he does every arrangement. Has won numerous world competitions. Considered one of the best choirs in the world. Andre is unbelievable. He's an institution in SA.
Yes, the conductor is actually André vd Merwe, who did the arrangement. He regularly judge at world choir events and is very highly regarded.
You're right. This performance was magical and memorable. Nobody remembers mediocrity. The energy and enthusiam that a group or an individual performer pours into a performance shows that they care about what they're doing and that they enjoy what they're doing. Watching performances like this is just pure fun.
Also, if you kick through a wall, don't forget to put your shoes on beforehand (beforefoot?).
Sooooo much fun, thanks for commenting. Also yes I will wear the proper gear before any wall kicks 😂
@@nickhiggsthesinger Lol!
I love that you have highlighted Stellenbosch. Yes, the conductor is the arranger. Andrè van Merwe inspires all who know him. Google their other performances. His passion, dedication and knowledge is second to none.
Fabulous choir!
From the first time I heard Baba Yetu performed by Angel City Chorale, I knew immediately that this was a very spiritual song, such an incredible chorale and orchestral composition, and Christopher’s arrangement for a video game is incredible. I was thrilled to see that you had reached to this, thank you ❤.
more choral reactions please!
This choir makes me proud to be South African. To me, they are a beautiful example of my country. Black, white, and mixed-race all singing together, it is just beautiful.
Was playing civ4 when it first came out... kept playing the theme song over and over. The third transition always got me how it was sang with such a driving beat, I didn't know why. So when I translated baba yetu... and found out what this song really was I cried.
You need not only energy with this song, you get passion from what the text is. Our Father.
Every time someone experiences the magic of this choir for the first time, my life becomes a little better ❤
This year is my 6th year as a member of this choir and it was so much fun watching you interpret and react to our video! What you said about memorizing music and the elements we work on in rehearsals is 100% accurate. Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your service brother you making us proud all over the world.
You guys re making me cry...thank you for making me cry ❤😂
Nick, I met this choir and their conductor at a choral competition and festival in Sochi Russia 8 years ago and have been a fan ever since hearing them. I still tell friends that I listen to their recordings a lot and they're one my best vocal groups till this day. I made a few friends from there too including one of the two improv soloists in this rendition.
You should review of one of their African-Amercian Spirituals video recordings like "Plenty Good Rooms." My favorite recording from them is "The Conversion of Saul" by Z. Randall Stroope that they performed at the 2016 Varsity Sing in South Africa. The singing, choreography and passion exterted into their performance is not unmatched. One of the singers was generous to give me the score then in Russia. They are an incredible choir and I can't speak highly enough of them and their conductor, Andre.
❤
I've watched many reactions for this piece from SUC but never came across a reaction from choral expert of your caliber. I've subscribed so I can follow some of your very educational reactions. Great reaction
I just loved your review. Please do more of this choir.
Excellent review of a great performance. Seeing the diversity of faces coupled with the awesome voices just is so deeply emotional. How anyone could watch this the first time and not have a tear come to their eye!
Proudly South African ❤🇿🇦🇿🇦
This was the song i walked down the aisle to. Its my fave video game song. And its so inspiring to see more arrangements what add to this song!!
Sang in the SU choir for 3 years, what a beautiful experience ❤❤❤
Baba yetu, this 2018 video is perhaps the most watched choir group on TH-cam. The music, the choir and the conductor put on a beautiful show of a very well prepared performance. For me, this video is a celebration of the best in the human species. I've watched it dozens of times. The composer is Christopher Tin.
The choir performs so well because their director is incredible...leadership makes all the difference. This choir sets the standard for everyone else! Very enjoyable analysis of this performance. Your musical life experiences have just been greatly increased by your discovery of this choir...quite surprised you hadn't heard of Stellenbosch earlier. Nice!
Also listen to "Weeping", "Madoda Sabelani" and "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" from this choir. Local South African music ❤🇿🇦🔥
The Lord's prayer in Swahili, beautiful ❤️
I remember the first time I played Civilization IV I had to stop at the main menu for a long time just to listen to this. It sets the perfect mood for the game.
I love this song and especially this version by the Stellenbosch University Choir. So joyous and joyful!
Wonder what it is like for them to perform this at Llangollen, where Tin himself has conducted it twice, and just kill it like this. Such a wonderful representation of their school, S.A., and Africa in general. Amazing performance. There is a moment late where you can see Andre getting emotional about the performance of HIS amazing arrangement. He is so happy for the performance and for his kids. That it is a multicultural, South African group perfectly representing another African language is just so amazing. Just such an amazing performance and my favorite arrangement of this song that I love. I am curious if the two spoken word performers at the end are native East Africans. Seems likely they are, but dunno.
The last time I sang in the choir was in 1995,but realised I'm in love with it
love your content! The way you pronounced Van der Merwe had me rolling on the floor. For reference, it sounds something like Van (FUN) der (thunDER) Mer- (MAveric) -we (VIntner)
Song always makes me teary eyed. No idea why haha. Just very uplifting.
Every few months I come back to both this piece and Christopher Tin's Waloyo yamoni. Definitely recommend a listen if you haven't done so already
Watching my Alma maters choir always gives me chills. It's even better live in the little hall where they practice.
I would love to see you listening to In die Donker.
I was in the Stellenbosch university choir! 1992-1996
Beautiful reaction.
The spoken element was done in 3 languages. So cool.
Your video is exactly what happens to my brain when I listen to good music like this!
Appraisal activated!
Please do more Stellenbosch University Choir reactions!❤ not only a great choir - they’ve won multiple international awards (correct me if I’m wrong)
Pleeeease react to LET MY LOVE BE HEARD in version of the Stellenbosch University Choir... literally chills. So beautiful
Got the shivers!!!! ❤
I would love to see your reaction of another song from this choir. The song is called Nkosi sikelel iafrika, its and amazing work that is just mind-blowing. Love your content
We are the no1 choir in the world 🔥🔥🇿🇦🌍
Loved this reaction! You know your s*^%#t! Please react to this choir’s version of Nkosi Sikelele iAfrica. You will love it.
Hey Nick, I'm new here, but would love to hear you talk about Waloyo Yamoni - I have watched the live at Cadogan Hall video (with the Angel City Chorale) dozens and dozens of times and it never fails to give me chills.
Estan cantados por los mormones en diferentes idiomas hermoso
One thing I notice about this choir versus many choirs is how freely they move. It seems that a lot of choirs push for a level of stoicism and reverence, especially when if comes to religious songs, when performing. These you folks are almost dancing as they sing.. it's infectious and really adds to the "brightness" of the song, as you have said in a number of videos. I really love the culture that Mr. Van De Mewr has created and it's clear that his singers appreciate it too.
you should watch their other videsos like say something❤
Please can you react to the Tuks Camerata,( I was Love ) they are from SA also , and as good as the Stellenbosch university Choir
Thank you for the suggestion!!
Especially their Indodana
Yes Nick, Andre is the conductor and also responsible for this arrangement. SU choir is made up of 120 students. They've been going strong since 1936, with Andre taking the helm in 2003. (World no.1 amateur choir ranking since 2012)
Nick just an FYI, Maytree a South Korean a cappella group also did this, Christopher Tin thanked them for covering this. Love this❤
Also... They were seemingly rappin' in Swahili! Nice way to maintain rhythm.
cool video
Kenya Swahili 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪 so proud
The 254🇰🇪❤❤🇰🇪
eu considero o melhor coral universitario jovem do mundo. andre van der merwe é simplesmente o melhor.
Yini ibaba yetu ? sounds like I'm listening to mziniwensizwa Chirwali it's "baba wethu"😅they sing nice Mzansi 🇿🇦will rock you every SA knows how to sing do this when sad, happy ❤
I would love to hear your reactions to Hillside United, esp "Oceans" and "100 Billion X"!
You got my sub...🔥🔥🔥
Love ya ♥️
This is The Lord's prayer in Kiswahili language native to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, Burundi, Rwanda
I think the conductor did make the arrangement, because the style is similar to other songs they perform (and he is the same conductor in all of them). Also, it is different from all other covers of the song, that I've heard(:
Swahili is just another tool for communication in South Africa. SO they get to play with the music a lot more!
2.20 do you know any of Karl Jenkins works? We have sung The Armed Man just recently. Some wonderful pieces in it.
Ranked number one choir in the world
Thats my country right there
This song makes me want to rush Petra.
As a South African, I can say 100% that there are 2 words you don’t have to teach us to sing or say in unison is Eish and hey 😁
I know you already reacted to Yerushalayim by the Miami Boys Choir a year ago, but you should react to Yavo by them too! I personally think it’s a lot better and so much more fun! You get to see the soloists shine a lot more
In South Africa we call Stellenbosch just Stellies for short
Hello Nick. Pls, pls, pls, sing for us the second trio des parques from Rameau's "Hippolyte & Aricie."
🇿🇦🇿🇦✨
Baba wethu hay yethu
What are the necklaces' for?! Do they represent different choir parts? Are they years in the choir? Are they cultural? Someone pleeeeease answer this.
Hi! South African here. I don’t know what the colors signify but they do look like they are making a nod to traditional dress. Necklaces are significant in cultural dress and colors mean different things to different tribes.
Honest question: Do singers not learn the words for dynamics, like crescendo?
Yes we do
@nickhiggsthesinger ah, OK, I was just wondering. Thank you for answering. Great video, BTW. 😀
Baba wethu, means Our Father..
And black South Africans just sing it, without analysing at all 😅😅😅😊
I wonder if the Chicago Children's Choir-now Uniting Voices Chicago, but I'll never call them that-has a recording of this? They do a lot of South African music, thanks to conductor and alum Mollie Stone. They're a much better choir than this, honestly.
Better choir? This choir is in the top of the world for many years..
@@PeterM_K, in whose opinion and according to whose opinion? I've sung in choirs my entire life. This one is good but not great.
@@gitasong In the opinion of the world choir championships that they've dominated for a decade now, scoring the highest grading ever achieved by any choir in the process.
@@Hundse78 **shrug** I still think the Chicago Children's Choir is better. They don't do choral competitions because they don't need to.