Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - The Ruach Chamber Ensemble is a small community choir in the city.
Klerksdorp Record attended one of their practise sessions and they are a small group with heaps of passion for music and performing. “Ruach was started in 2023 to perform at a Christmas service and then - through the love of music and good wine - stayed around,” says Gretha Hattingh, choir member.
Ruach is a Hebrew word that refers to wind in older texts but also started referring to a person’s volition, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual wellbeing in later years. Biblical translations of the Hebrew word such as in Job 33:4 (“The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life”) refers to God as breath.
“We feel these translations can be attributed to us as we get to refill our cups weekly but also recharge emotionally and spiritually when we sing. We believe that we do not only have the opportunity to connect with each other, but with our spirituality, humanity, and others through music.”
The ensemble has performed at various choir festivals and performances in Potchefstroom and Pretoria are lined up. They will also be on stage in Klerksdorp next month. Johann Barnard of the NW Musikon joined the choir as conductor. Members hail from all walks of life - two Dutch Reformed reverends, three members of the well-known Vermaas audiologist family as well as three teachers and a local anaesthetist.
Their repertoire includes choral music as well as light classical music and they would like to sing more commercially-known songs. The ensemble is looking for male voices. If you think you can sing and would like to audition for the choir, contact 072 433 1694.
The choir is scheduled to perform at the choir festival at the Dutch Reformed Church Wilkruin on May 10, as well as choir festivals in Doringkruin in June and Potchefstroom in November. Follow the Facebook page Ruach Kamerkoor for more dates and information.
