[category]
[title]
Since its inception in 2022, the Legato Choral Festival has seen exponential growth, expanding to various venues across Pretoria and even introducing a Western Cape leg in July 2025.
While that was the festival’s first performance outside Gauteng, the choral community will once again assemble to celebrate the diversity of South African music-this time at the South African State Theatre on 14 and 15 November.
- Saturday, 14 November at 7:00PM and Sunday, 15 November at 3:00PM
- South African State Theatre, Pretoria
- Tickets from R150 - R180 on Webtickets
This weekend, guests will be serenaded by performances from the Pretoria Male Choir, the Laudem Dei Chamber Choir under the direction of Laura de Waal, Resonans, Amici under the direction of Dr Hélène Basson and the resident Legato Academy Choir.
In total, there are about 10 participating choirs and individual ensembles spread across the various ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds that coexist in Mzansi.
This integration reflects the festival organisers’ belief that music has the power to transcend boundaries, connect hearts and inspire change.
The festival is not structured as a competition, but as a celebration of rich South African choral traditions where ensembles can showcase their repertoires, network and share the styles that speak to their heritage and regions.
The awards that accompany the festival do not follow the competitive nature of traditional ceremonies, instead serving as industry honours designed to foster mentorship and nurture artistic talent through initiatives like the Legato Academy Choir.
South Africa’s relationship with choral music dates back to the 19th century, having been influenced by European missionary culture and the socio-political struggles of the 20th century.
South Africans took ownership of the choral space by blending Western four-part harmony with indigenous African vocal traditions, languages and rhythms to create a sound that resonates with locals. This gradually evolved into a movement where the nation formulated a choral culture that voiced political resistance and created a distinctive national sound.
TIME OUT PRETORIA RECOMMENDS:
📍 The best things to do in Pretoria
🍽 The best restaurants in Pretoria
🏨 The best hotels in Pretoria
🛏️ Where to stay in Pretoria