Tygerberg Children’s Choir is one of the world’s leading children’s choirs. Based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, the choir brings together 70 to 76 dedicated boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 15, selected through a rigorous annual audition process.

For more than five decades, the choir has represented South Africa with distinction on national and international stages. It is currently ranked fourth among Children’s and Youth Choirs worldwide, holds first place in the Sacred Music and Music of the Religions category, and ranks second overall on the Interkultur World Rankings.

These achievements are the result of consistent discipline, artistic integrity and sustained excellence.

For more than five decades, Tygerberg Children’s Choir has carried South African choral music onto some of the world’s most respected stages. Since 1980, the choir has toured extensively across Europe, North America and Asia, consistently earning distinction in international competition.

The choir has participated in nine major international competitions and has won eight of them. Among its most significant achievements are victories at the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition in Debrecen, Hungary, first place in the Folklore division at the International Music Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales, and category winner at the Hull International Singing Competition in the United Kingdom. The Hull victory secured automatic qualification for Interkultur competitions for five years without the need for a qualifying round, a rare honour that reflects the choir’s consistent excellence.

Since 2008, the choir has competed in the World Choir Games, widely regarded as the Olympic Games of choral music. Across multiple editions in Austria, China, the United States and South Africa, the choir has earned numerous gold medals and has been crowned World Champion on more than one occasion.

Beyond competition, the choir has been invited to perform before international leaders and royalty, including Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II, King Gustaf of Sweden, President Bill Clinton and former President Nelson Mandela. These invitations affirm the choir’s standing not only as a competitive force, but as a respected ambassador of South African culture.

Since 2019, the Tygerberg Children’s Choir has been under the musical direction of Karina Erasmus, building on the legacy established by former conductor Hendrik D Loock. She is supported by an experienced music team, including accompanists Madri Muller and Elizca Mulder, who contribute to the choir’s technical growth and artistic depth.

Following full privatisation in 1996, the choir operates independently and is overseen by a volunteer committee made up of parents, former parents and dedicated supporters. This structure ensures strong governance and stability, allowing the music team to focus on developing a clear, world class standard.

While medals and rankings reflect achievement, the choir’s deeper purpose lies in shaping young people. Choristers grow in discipline, responsibility, resilience and confidence. They learn teamwork, leadership, and the privilege of representing their community and country with integrity. The Tygerberg Children’s Choir is not only an internationally recognised ensemble, it is a formative environment where young voices are developed into capable musicians and grounded individuals.