This year's Annual Gala Concert was more than "a celebration of diversity" – as the slogan suggests – it was also a celebration of the Faculty's 60th anniversary.
"This year our Faculty turns 60, and like a good red wine, it seems to be getting better with age. As the gala concert this year coincides with such an important milestone we are dedicating the event to all the men and women who have contributed to the success of the Faculty over the past six decades," said Prof Jimmy Volmink, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).
"We acknowledge those visionaries who established the Faculty way back in 1956, those who have worked so hard at building and maintaining it over the years and those who have contributed to the level of excellence the Faculty has become known for today," Volmink continued.
The concert, held on the evening of Friday 7 October at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow, showcased the top artistic talent at the FMHS.
The line-up consisted of 22 diverse acts by students and staff at the Faculty, and also included a 12-year old guest artist, Qden Blaauw (son of Physiotherapy's Prof Quinette Louw) who delivered an inspiring performance of Franz Liszt's Valse-Impromptu on the piano.
As is tradition by now, the Stellenbosch University Medical Orchestra (SUMO), under the leadership of conductor Reghardt Kühn, kicked off the evening with a few classic tunes, and in keeping with the 60-year theme, performed a composite of Elvis Presley songs.
Osler's ladies sêr delivered a haunting performance of contemporary songs, while singers, dancers and musicians entertained the audience well into the night.
In an unforgettable performance the Tygerberg Gospel Choir sang songs in several languages, and the first-year medical student, Vuyo Funani, gave an emotional recitation of his poem entitled "Painless".
Two unusual performances came from medical student cum fashion designer, Astrid Sass, who displayed her creations in a fashion show, while the harpist, Suné van der Westhuizen gave an enchanting performance of Louis Spohr's Fantasia in C minor op 35.
Photo: Osler ladies sêr
