Christopher Arendse, a final year medical student, says his six years in the Stellenbosch University (SU) Choir has taught him that the more he embraces others, the more he is able to embrace himself.

During Youth Month, we put the spotlight on eight members of the SU Choir – one from each voice group. Together with more than 100 other individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and fields of study, and under the leadership of conductor André van der Merwe, they inspire and transport audiences across the world with their unique sound. 

Christopher took a moment to answer a couple of questions about himself: 

Tell us about yourself, and how it came about that you joined the choir. 

I'm from the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, and I am busy with my final year in Medicine. This is my sixth year in the choir. At the beginning of my first year, two of my friends, Aelke and Lerato, came up to the front of the lecture hall and encouraged the class to audition. I had sung in choirs during high school but had never heard of SUC so I just decided to give it a go.

What do you enjoy most about being in the choir? 

Apart from its commitment to excellence and our unconventionally inspirational conductor, the choir is truly one of a kind. It is a place of refuge for people with such diverse backgrounds, stories and dreams. It has taught me that the more I embrace others, the more I am able to embrace myself.

With Youth Day in mind, what is your message of hope for other young people?

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman 

What is your favourite song at the moment? 

My favourite song at the moment is "Venture" by Crosscurrent ZA