Conductor

Hendrik D Loock has been the conductor since the establishment of the Choir. He was a member of the University Choir, under the direction of Philip McLachlan, during his student years at the University of Stellenbosch.

 

He is often asked to give lectures on choir coaching or to adjudicate at Eisteddfodau and national and international choir festivals.

 

In recognition of his achievements, both local and international, he has received many awards, including gold medals from the City of Bellville and the Teacher's Association (ABSA Award), the John Preiss Medal from the Excelsior Primary School, a Tygerberg Eisteddfod Medal and the Excelsus Award from the De Kuilen Primary School. In addition, he has also received addresses from the FAK, the ATKV and the Voortrekkers, as well as certificates of merit form the Mayor and Junior Mayor of Kuils River and the South African Teachers Union. In Borja (Spain) he and the choir have received awards.

 

To remain at the forefront of the latest developments in choir singing, he attended international symposiums in Sydney (1996) and Rotterdam (1999).

 

Hendrik D. Loock's excellent prowess as choir leader is of immense value with the recording of CD's, which have been praised in many a review. He concentrates on the use of the voice as natural instrument, which is honed to a homogenous quality of unity with a sensitivity for pitch placement, use of breath control and the uniform use of mouth form. In order to obtain clarity of text and musical meaning a lot of emphasis is placed on sound texture and nuances of the voice. In order to always keep the programme interesting, Hendrik D. Loock endeavours to perform works of diverse nature and to cover all genres.

 

Accompanist

Theresa Loock (née Crous), accompanist and arranger for more than 40 years, is currently on sick leave. Theo Alkema has taken her place while she recovers.

 

TCC Management Committee

A Choir Committee assists the conductor and is responsible for the administration, tour and general arrangements.

 

Hendrik D Loock: Choir Leader

Charl van Heyningen: Chairman and Public Relations

Bredell Brink: Vice Chairman and Treasurer

Mariette Botev: Secretary and Friends of the Choir

Juan Rossouw: Tour Leader

Karina Erasmus: Music and Clothing

Marina Quarmby: Clothing

Laurentia Franz: Catering

Minau Wegner: Auditions

Jermaine Hartley: Fundraising and Tour Assistance

Jeremy Fortune: Fundraising and General Assistance

 

Assistant Coaches

Karina Erasmus, Annatjie Brand, Bardine Bell, Antoinette Nel, Annerie van Eeden and Madri Gerber.