Get to know your BCCF Chorfest 2018 Clinicians!

We’re excited; you’re excited; they’re excited. But do any of us really know each other yet? Not particularly. That’s why the BCCF Communications team came up with five fun questions to break the ice and help you get acquainted with the people at the podium, May 11-13 in Richmond!

Sarona Mynhardt

Master clinician, conductor of SongShine Choir and Inspirito Women’s Ensemble, and our Chorfest 2018 Children’s Choir clinician.

Q: When was the moment you knew you wanted to be a conductor?

A: As a young Chorister living in South Africa our choir had the incredible opportunity to travel to Israel to be part of the International Zymriah Choir Festival. On the first evening there were 2,000 singers of all ages from all over the world gathered in an auditorium. We did not know each other, we could not speak each other’s languages, but the moment we all took hands and sang together we became one! The universal language of music bridged whatever differences there might have been. At that moment I knew that one day I would like to give young people that same opportunity – I knew that by being a conductor I could open a whole new world to young singers through the incredible art and joy of choral music!

Q: What is your favourite post-concert meal?

A: Whatever I can lay my hands on! I do not eat much before a concert, so I am usually very hungry after! If we go out, a comfort meal will be Bibimbap (a Korean meal served in a hot stone pot), but at home I would choose a glass of bold red, a chunk of good sheep’s cheese and a bowl of olives!

Q: What is your ‘bucket list’ piece to conduct, and with which ensemble?

A: My favourite piece is the one we sing – every piece is on my bucket list and every one my favourite! As for right now, I would like to conduct the full Songs of Sanctuary by Karl Jenkins with orchestra and interpretive dance. I just started a new women’s ensemble, Inspirito, on the Sunshine Coast and I think they will love it!

Q: If you could sing under any conductor, who would it be?

A: James Jordan. I have not met him in person, but his work has been a big influence in my conducting journey.

Q: What is your musical guilty pleasure outside of the choral genre?

A: Jacques Brel.