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VOX 2025/10 - 'Follow That Star' with us and Here be Dragons this Friday!
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As our troubadours gather and our minstrels tune their strings, have you claimed your place on our globetrotting, folk-infused musical adventure this Friday 5 December?
We can't wait to welcome you on an immersive, multisensory journey—in true VOX style—as we wander side-by-side with early folk ensemble Here be Dragons to trace the rustic tunes and ancient tales that have shaped the carols we cherish today.
Our odyssey will wind through distant lands and diverse languages, through haunting laments and jubilant dances, weaving together the rich traditions that have given us Gabriel's Message, Gaudete, In dulci jubilo, Ríu, ríu, chíu, Maria durch ein Dornwald ging, What Child Is This?, I wonder as I wander and The Carol of the Bells.
Friday 5 December 2025 at 8:30 PM
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, De Waterkant
There are still tickets left! Bookings via Quicket (R280/R250)
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To set the mood for our journey, drop in from 8 PM to share a hearty, festive toast with us! Raise a goblet of First Light Golden Ale from Devil's Peak Brewing Company or cherry cider from Kopparberg's Brewery (based in Sweden) to begin our musical adventure in good cheer.
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About our musical troupe...
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Jan-Hendrik Harley is our main minstrel, having arranged (especially for this project) most of the musical items that you will hear next weekend. He holds a BMus from the Stellenbosch University, specialising in chamber music, classical guitar and viola. He later completed two master's degrees—one in chamber music with a composition portfolio from Stellenbosch, and another in viola performance with early music as a related field from the University of North Texas. A versatile composer, arranger and performer, Jan-Hendrik works across classical and popular music and freelances as both a recording and performing artist.
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Why the name 'Here be Dragons'? In the golden age of exploration, maps would often be marked with sea monsters to indicate treacherous waters or uncharted territory—a warning not to venture into the unknown. For our musical friends, the name has quite a different meaning; they see it as a reminder never to stop exploring the endless possibilities hidden in a piece of music.
Lente Louw (mezzo-soprano), Jessica Daniels (recorder), Annien Shaw and Odile Burden (violins), Emile de Roubaix (viola, nyckelharpa), Graham du Plessis (cello), John Pringle (percussion), Uwe Grosser (theorbo), Jan-Hendrik Harley (viola, mandolin, arrangements, direction)
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For a flavour of the music you can expect, listen to "Rejoice!"—a compilation of three carols that we performed virtually with Here be Dragons in late 2020. This is one of the items that we will be bringing to life on Friday!
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On 11 December 2021, after nearly two years of exploring innovative ways of staying in touch with our community (while remaining physically distant), we shared a return to the stage with Here be Dragons for an immersive, folk-inspired experience celebrating the festive season. Friday's performance is therefore a reprisal of that concert—but, this time, in the fully immersive way that we had originally envisioned. About that first performance of Follow That Star, our guests wrote:
"A fabulous evening. Can we have another before next Christmas?"
"Brilliant. What care was taken over decoration of the church! The music was moving, beautifully performed and the concert was clearly enjoyed immensely by the choir, band, soloists and audience alike. Thank you."
"Do you have a better grading than five stars? It was divinely beautiful. Uplifting and joyous!"
"Spectacular concert. Singing was superb. Very carefully formulated programme. Well done! Can't wait for the next one."
"Great performance! Wonderful repertoire, consummate skills—a tonic for the times. Stars worth following."
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Each December, VOX offers its own local expression of the beloved Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, continuing the legacy of Barry Smith and the St George's Singers.
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This year, we will be joined by Here be Dragons whose folk artistry will bring a fresh sparkle to the traditional readings and music of this much-loved service. Forming the sacred counterpart to Follow That Star, the same music will unfold in a different context—in a liturgy imbued with light, hope and promise.
After the service, linger with us over mince pies as we share the joy of the season together! Although entrance is free, booking is essential; you are warmly encouraged to make a donation to support the musicians.
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Sunday 7 December 2025 at 11 AM
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, De Waterkant
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We are thrilled that our three concerts on 10, 11 and 12 December with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Town Opera in St George's Cathedral are SOLD OUT—thank you for your support!
Don't forget our final "appearance" this year! Tune in to Fine Music Radio on Christmas Eve for a refreshed, renewed and reflective Festival of Poetry and Carols. Make a date with us at 7 PM on Wednesday 24 December!
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Last Saturday 22 November we embarked on a different journey—this time a literal one, as we set out on a 'choral pilgrimage' exploring different venues and acoustics in the city to mark St Cecilia's Day and the birthday of composer Benjamin Britten. We performed Britten's magnificent a cappella Hymn to St Cecilia in four different spaces, including Hiddingh Hall (pictured above). As a tribute to the great Italian Renaissance composer Palestrina, who was born 500 years ago in 1525, we also sang his sublime setting of Psalm 42 (Sicut Cervus). Keep an eye out for our next mailer for more pictures from this unique event!
"A perfect way to spend a Saturday morning... Beautiful venues, magnificent singing, enjoyable walks in between. What more could one want?"
"VOX delivered an outstanding performance in four different spaces—an event that filled me with emotion and thankfulness, being in awe of these lovely voices. Thank you."
Chris Arnold, Samantha Ash, Matt Beck, Dane Bezuidenhout, Dirk Binneman, Peter Borchers, Suzanne Buchanan, Jan Buys, Suzie Cameron, Erin Cederlind, Casey Driver, Tessa Gawith, Christina Goodall, Wim Greyvenstein, Lia Hall, Amy Hoffenberg, Sally Hofmeyr, Aaron Juritz, Carelize Klopper, Fran Laenen, Xoli Mabombo-Benson, Jennifer Matlock, Sarah McArthur, Maryanne McLachlan, Kyle Paulssen, Renugan Raidoo, Kirsten Rowe, Evan Strauss, Louis Swart, Anna Telford, Bevan Timm, Stefan van der Westhuizen, Anthea van Wieringen, Jean Westwood, Karin-Marie Wilson
Founder and Artistic Director: John Woodland
Imanagineer: Kyle Paulssen
VOX Vice-Captain: Lia Hall
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