9th September 2011

The ECjCC started the evening on a high note with their clear sound, discipline (they ALWAYS look at their conductor) and, of course, a good dose of the CUTE factor!

From there on it was a Prestige Concert with a difference. As we're celebrating Mr Van Zyl and Tannie Amanda's quarter century with the choir, we thought it would be a good thing to invite some of the indivuals, in whose lives he had made a difference, to show us exactly what CAN happen, if you have the right foundation.

The ECCC sang beautifully throughout and regularly had the audience in tears. Thank you to Paul Leonard and Kobus Buys (ex-Drakensberg Boys' Choir choristers under Lionel), Virgil Matrass (current student with Lionel), Liske, Kim and Andiswa (ex-ECCC choristers), who added a touch of extra class and inspiration, and showed our choristers what can be achieved.

We cannot fail to mention the stalwarts. Prof. Albert Troskie (organ) and Hanlie Young (piano) have, over the years, contributed so much to the choir's successes with their high standard of accompaniment and did so again last night.

Towards the end of the evening the musical proceedings were interrupted briefly to hand over something special to Mr Van Zyl and Tannie Amanda. We hope they'll remember the choir fondly every time they look at their gifts.

No Prestige Concert is complete without You Never Walk Alone, and seeing such a large number of choir alumni go forward to participate was surely another highlight.

Well done to all concerned!

COMMENTS RECEIVED

Just a line to say that the concert was truly beautiful...from the begining when the Junior Choir came on stage...to the glorious end...

The hard work, passion, team work, dedication and talent, all came together to make a  'WOW' concert - thank you so much for the invitation.

Food for the soul!

We were really impressed with the spirit of 'family' that Lionel has engendered over the years and his Children's Choir has certainlyspread it's wings as his students  have grown in the community of song and music.

 Your invited past students were world class...was a little worried though about the roof when Liske and Andiswa partnered in the Easter Hymn...together with the choir they just soared.

 Please pass on our sincere congratulations to Lionel  - a true ambassador in the art of unlocking talent for the future.

 Ruth & Hunter

We wanted to thank you for organising a marvellous Prestige Concert last night - one to be remembered for years to come.

 The voices almost lifted the ceiling off the Church last night and the choristers seemed to be elevated to new heights with our guest soloists and accompanists. What an amazingly constructed programme which really 'showcased' Mr van Zyl's achievements over the last 25 years - please extend a huge Congratulations to him and Amanda from us.

 The entire evening was very well co-ordinated and went extremely smoothly. We are very proud to be 'parents' of choristers in this choir - well done. We are still on a 'buzz' and will talk about it for days!

 Kind regards

Clare and Adrian Hubbard

Well done to choir management and Lionel. This was the best Prestige Concert ever. Keep it up.
Sinqobile's dad.

What an outstanding concert last night! Fantastic reviews from the audience. Congratulations!!! Bernie.

Thank you to all of you for making it such a wonderful concert! Wow! A new benchmark has been set! Margeaux Brooks.

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