National Youth Choirs of Great Britain

Guest Conductor

André registered at the University of Cape Town for a B.Mus (Performers) degree in 1987, but an injury to his hand forced him to change course. He subsequently received the B. Drama (Directing) degree from the University of Stellenbosch in 1992.



He directed this university’s drama entries (1988-1989) for the Grahamstown International Arts Festival with critical acclaim. After completion of his studies he taught at Brackenfetl and Stellenberg High Schools where he achieved great success with school groups in stage productions and choirs. His Brackenfell drama group won the National ATKV Drama Competition five times in succession (1993-1997).



In 1997 André founded the Pro Cantu Youth Choir in Cape Town. He conducted this choir until the end of 2003. Under his baton the choir has become a leading South African youth choir and achieved the following:

• Overall winners of the Pretoria International Choral Competition (1998)
• At the Choir Olympics in Linz, Austria, Pro Cantu won two gold medals and a first and fourth prize respectively (2000)
• At the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, Pro Cantu won three categories, and in the final round was also announced as Choir of the World (2002).

André has appeared as guest conductor with the British National Youth Choir, and he also conducts the South African National Youth Choir. He is a popular guest conductor and a respected judge at choral, singing and drama competitions in South Africa. He regularly presents choral workshops.



(Text: www.sun.ac.za/koor/Andre.htm)