St Mary’s Singers
Choir presentation
St Mary’s Singers is the girls’ choir of St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, an Anglican high school in Pretoria, South Africa. Made up of talented young women aged 14 to 18, the choir is renowned for its dynamic performances and exceptional vocal artistry. As part of one of South Africa’s leading Anglican schools, the St Mary’s Singers are not only an integral part of the school community, but also actively represent South Africa and the African continent on the global choral stage.
The choir is known for its vibrant and passionate approach to music, reflected in its distinctive performances. Their love of music is evident in every note they sing, whether they perform locally at festivals across South Africa or take part in prestigious choral competitions at national and international level. Their performances are a true celebration of the beauty and power of music, making them ambassadors of South African culture and African artistry.
At every performance, the St Mary’s Singers bring a sense of joy, enthusiasm, and dedication to their art. Their music is not only a reflection of their skill and passion, but also a powerful testament to the talent and potential of young South African artists on the international stage.
The St Mary’s Singers continue to be a shining example of the exceptional quality of youth choral music in South Africa, and their future is bright as they continue to inspire, compete, and represent their heritage with pride.
THE CHOIR DIRECTOR: Lhente-Mari Pitout
Lhente-Mari Pitout, a renowned musician and music educator, has devoted her life to promoting the rich traditions of South Africa’s choral field. As a conductor, musician, and adjudicator in both classical and contemporary genres, she has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most respected educators and choral conductors.
Passionate about music education, Lhente has worked tirelessly to promote the development of the arts in South Africa. Her commitment to the performing arts has earned her numerous accolades, including as a singer and choral conductor. Several organisations have awarded her prizes for her contribution to the arts.
Ms Lhente’s reputation as a choral clinician and jury member has taken her to Europe and North America, where she has led national and international festivals. Singers and conductors from around the world regard her as an expert in choral singing, and she has shared her expertise with them.
Ms Lhente has conducted the UP Youth Choir since 2005, as well as the highly prestigious and award-winning Pretoria Boys High School Choir and the St Mary’s Singers. She co-founded the South African Youth Music and Arts Development Foundation, which works to empower young people through music education and other artistic activities.
Renowned conductors from around the world recognised Lhente’s passion for music and her talent as a musician from an early age, when she had the opportunity to work and sing with them. These experiences have shaped her into the accomplished educator and conductor she is today.
During the six years in which she represented South Africa in the World Youth Choir and the World Chamber Choir, Lhente toured and performed in more than 15 countries. She worked with conductors such as Frieder Bernius, Tonu Kaljuste, Kåre Hanken, Robert Sund, María Guinand, André Thomas, Paul Smith, Anton Armstrong, Philippe Eskerei, Peter Erdei, Gary Graden, Steve Zegree, Michelle Weir, Roberto Gini, Peter Deijkstra, Volker Hempfling, Nobuaki Tanaka, and Bobby McFarrin.
Ms Lhente has served on numerous boards, including that of the World Youth Choir, and she represents UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Chamber Choir.
Through her work as an educator, conductor, and ambassador, Lhente has inspired countless students, singers, and artists to express themselves and achieve their dreams through the performing arts. Her contributions to South African choral music and the wider arts community have made her a respected and valued figure in the music world.
St Mary’s Singers
Choir presentation
St Mary’s Singers is the girls’ choir of St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, an Anglican high school in Pretoria, South Africa. Made up of talented young women aged 14 to 18, the choir is renowned for its dynamic performances and exceptional vocal artistry. As part of one of South Africa’s leading Anglican schools, the St Mary’s Singers are not only an integral part of the school community, but also actively represent South Africa and the African continent on the global choral stage.
The choir is known for its vibrant and passionate approach to music, reflected in its distinctive performances. Their love of music is evident in every note they sing, whether they perform locally at festivals across South Africa or take part in prestigious choral competitions at national and international level. Their performances are a true celebration of the beauty and power of music, making them ambassadors of South African culture and African artistry.
At every performance, the St Mary’s Singers bring a sense of joy, enthusiasm, and dedication to their art. Their music is not only a reflection of their skill and passion, but also a powerful testament to the talent and potential of young South African artists on the international stage.
The St Mary’s Singers continue to be a shining example of the exceptional quality of youth choral music in South Africa, and their future is bright as they continue to inspire, compete, and represent their heritage with pride.
THE CHOIR DIRECTOR: Lhente-Mari Pitout
Lhente-Mari Pitout, a renowned musician and music educator, has devoted her life to promoting the rich traditions of South Africa’s choral field. As a conductor, musician, and adjudicator in both classical and contemporary genres, she has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most respected educators and choral conductors.
Passionate about music education, Lhente has worked tirelessly to promote the development of the arts in South Africa. Her commitment to the performing arts has earned her numerous accolades, including as a singer and choral conductor. Several organisations have awarded her prizes for her contribution to the arts.
Ms Lhente’s reputation as a choral clinician and jury member has taken her to Europe and North America, where she has led national and international festivals. Singers and conductors from around the world regard her as an expert in choral singing, and she has shared her expertise with them.
Ms Lhente has conducted the UP Youth Choir since 2005, as well as the highly prestigious and award-winning Pretoria Boys High School Choir and the St Mary’s Singers. She co-founded the South African Youth Music and Arts Development Foundation, which works to empower young people through music education and other artistic activities.
Renowned conductors from around the world recognised Lhente’s passion for music and her talent as a musician from an early age, when she had the opportunity to work and sing with them. These experiences have shaped her into the accomplished educator and conductor she is today.
During the six years in which she represented South Africa in the World Youth Choir and the World Chamber Choir, Lhente toured and performed in more than 15 countries. She worked with conductors such as Frieder Bernius, Tonu Kaljuste, Kåre Hanken, Robert Sund, María Guinand, André Thomas, Paul Smith, Anton Armstrong, Philippe Eskerei, Peter Erdei, Gary Graden, Steve Zegree, Michelle Weir, Roberto Gini, Peter Deijkstra, Volker Hempfling, Nobuaki Tanaka, and Bobby McFarrin.
Ms Lhente has served on numerous boards, including that of the World Youth Choir, and she represents UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Chamber Choir.
Through her work as an educator, conductor, and ambassador, Lhente has inspired countless students, singers, and artists to express themselves and achieve their dreams through the performing arts. Her contributions to South African choral music and the wider arts community have made her a respected and valued figure in the music world.