POLOKWANE - Hard work and plenty of practice paid off this weekend for two choirs in the Limpopo Province, when they received top honours in the Old Mutual/Telkom National Choir Festival Regional Championships, which took place at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane.

Both Thobela FM Choral Society and Giyani Adult Choir will represent the Limpopo Province at the national finals in Johannesburg at the Standard Bank Arena in December.

The standard category, which was won by Thobela FM Choral Society, saw no less than eleven choirs between 30 and 48 members singing the prescribed works, Nonyana Senyamafi and Linoto both by JP Mohapeloa and Le Fatshe La Kanana by FM Raseleso", as well as opera works by Mozart from Idomeneo Placido e il mar, their choice from western pieces. Another local choir, Lamino Voices from Giyani and Chitungwiza Harmony from Zimbabwe came second and third respectively.

Of the five choirs that participated in the large category (49 - 60 members), it was Giyani Adult Choir that pleased the adjudicators with their rendition of works by Mozart's No 26 Final from La Clemenza di Titto. They also sang the prescribed work, Seretse Khama by Luka Disho. Polokwane Choral Society came second, with the Virtuoso Singers in third place.

The winning choirs in both categories received a prize of R4 000, with second and third place choirs receiving R3 000 and R2 000 respectively.

According to Mr Gerald Bhembe, one of the organisers, all the choirs have gone through a demanding audition process, which ensured an exceptionally high standard of performance.

"The winning choirs now have to start preparing for the national finals when they will compete against the best choral groups in southern Africa."

The National Finals will be held at the Standard Bank Arena on the weekend of 7 and 8 December 2002.