Sensational singers set to entertain at 2011 annual lecture

Katleho Mogase, Christopher Vale, Paul Ferreira and Phenye Modiane

July 20, 2011 — Listening to the vocal collaborations of Christopher Vale, Katleho Mogase and Phenye Modiane is sure to bring on goose bumps. These talented musicians, each at different stages of their respective degrees at the University of Pretoria, will be led by Paul Ferreira on piano and provide entertainment at the Ninth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture.

“We’re honoured to be taking part in this event. It’s a lot of pressure, but we are extremely grateful for the opportunity,” says Katleho (bass), a sentiment shared by the rest of the singers. Christopher, the group’s baritone, is particularly excited to hear the lecture by honoured guest speaker Professor Ismail Serageldin, as he travelled to Egypt last year and managed to visit the Library of Alexandria, where he is director.

All have been working hard over the past two weeks perfecting the three songs they will perform at the event – Te Amero by Il Divo, Amigos Para Sempre by Andrew Lloyd Webber and their rendition of the national anthem.

“We wanted to choose songs people are familiar with, and at the same time we didn’t want to alienate ourselves by singing songs which were too obscure,” says Christopher, who is completing his master’s degree in performance.

The group during an energetic rehearsal ahead of their performance at the annual lecture

“Music makes me tick. Both of my parents have been very supportive of my decision to turn this passion into a career,” he explains. “My dad is teaching music at the moment, and I consider my mom to be one of the best amateur singers around, so music has always been in my life.”

Phenye, the tenor, completed his BTech at the Tshwane University of Technology, and is now doing his honours in music.

“My family was amazed at my decision to pursue music,” he laughs. “I grew up in a family where nearly everyone played soccer, so I guess they expected I would follow suit. Like the other guys, I love music and started singing in high school. My conductor was very inspiring, and encouraged me to become a singer,” he says.

Unlike his fellow vocalists, Katleho is studying towards a BA in politics and philosophy, but since music is just as much a passion of his, he has taken singing as an elective since Grade 10 and began singing in church as a young man.

Enjoy the haunting melodies of these sensational singers at the upcoming lecture on July 23 at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg.

This lecture has been made possible through the support of SAP as primary donor with supporting contributions of the Swedish Postcode Lottery and the Coca-Cola Foundation.