Karlize Korf, a fifth-year medical student, has been a member of the Stellenbosch University (SU) Choir for five years. She encourages the youth to find their truth and to stay rooted in that, in spite of what their realities might look like.

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. 

Karlize took a moment to answer a couple of questions about herself: 

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

I am from Pretoria and matriculated from Afrikaans Meisies Hoër. I chose Stellenbosch University to be able to sing in the choir. I auditioned in my matric year and was a big fan of the choir in high school.

What do you enjoy most about being in the choir? 

Honestly, it would be André presenting the entire rehearsal in the form of show. He makes most things so entertaining, I am in awe of watching him for the duration of the rehearsal.

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

It would be for every person to distinguish their reality from their truth. Our realities can be so terrifying, as we have all witnessed and experienced. But your reality is never your truth. Reinvent your truth and stay deeply rooted in that. 

What is your favourite song at the moment? 

Actually, it is one of our choir pieces, “Sogno di Volare". I sing it operatically in my car while driving.