VOCES CORDIS

Voces Cordis (Voices of the Heart) was established in 2022 by renowned conductor André van der Merwe as a natural continuation of his celebrated work with the Stellenbosch University Choir and Stellenberg Girls Choir. The idea for the choir first surfaced in a heartfelt conversation between André and a former chorister — a shared reflection on how much adult singers longed for a space to continue making music together at a high artistic level. The dream lingered, resurfacing again and again, until it finally took root.

From the first auditions, it was clear that this choir would become something special. Many who joined were familiar faces: alumni of Pro Cantu Youth Choir, Stellenberg Girls’ Choir, and the Stellenbosch University Choir. Others came from new corners of the country, drawn by André’s artistry and the promise of a musical home. Together, we formed a group of ±80 choristers, aged 18 to 50, representing diverse backgrounds and careers from across South Africa.