Teamwork makes the dream work
The Team
Core Team
Alta Maré
CEO & Founder
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: Engaging with choirs around our lovely country.
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: CCNF chose me after the World Choir Games to create performance opportunities, which we developed into really great projects for collaboration, networking, learning and FUN.
Q: A random fact about you.
Eating is my superpower!
Christelle Engelbrecht
Programme Director: SCL on Tour(SCLT) & Prestige Concert Series
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: That feeling when you work for months on a project and you see things fall into place.
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: CCNF keeps the choral (and now orchestral) industry alive and thriving. If I can be a part of it, I’m happy!
Q: A random fact about you.
A: I enjoy painting, but I’m really bad at it. Add a few glasses of wine, and I’m even worse!
Matilda Herbst
Operations & Digital Manager
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: As a true choir nerd, I love working with all types of choirs from across South Africa, regardless of their background. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the impact we make as a company on the choral landscape and the development that takes place. One of the most rewarding moments is seeing people walk into a concert exhausted after a long week, and leave with a song in their hearts and a smile on their faces.
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: I’m a firm believer in the impact music can have on a person, from the discipline required to sing and rehearse to the positive effect it has on mental health. Being part of a company like CCNF means having the opportunity to create meaningful change through music. I get to live my dream job: working with choirs back-to-back, witnessing their growth and passion, and as a bonus, I get to travel across our beautiful country and experience all the magic it has to offer.
Q: A random fact about you.
A: I love cutting my family and friends’ hair! I think one day I might just become the resident hairdresser at the old-age home.
Caelen Swanepoel
Back-office and Logistics Manager
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: I love the process of pulling all the pieces together, such as contacting the choirs, arranging with the venues, and finalising all the smaller details. It’s something truly wonderful to see everything come to life on the day of the event, and it reminds me of why all the behind-the-scenes work is worth it.
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: I chose to work for CCNF because it combines two things I’m passionate about: music and meaningful connections. Being part of a team that works with choirs across all nine provinces means I get to help create spaces where voices come together, literally and figuratively. And honestly, if you have to travel for work, doing it while listening to incredible choral music makes the journey all the more rewarding.
Q: A random fact about you.
A: I can survive a full-day choir event on just one Coke Zero and a KFC chicken wing.
Tamerin Maré
Administrative Assistant
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: Making the name tags and seeing them on the participants at the gala concerts
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: CCNF has been part of our family since its inception. It offers me a safe haven to thrive and engage with other people
Q: A random fact about you.
A: I think I am a fashionista
Project Master Conductors
Bernard Krüger
Artistic Programme Director: Group Projects &
Artistic Director: SCL on Tour: Africa
As a musician, conductor, composer, arranger and music educator with international experience Bernard Krüger is always trying to explore new ways of engaging with performers and audiences. Although he is classically trained, he is equally comfortable in contemporary styles. Bernard’s specialties include strategic development, musical and theatrical conception, vocal training, advanced musicianship, and much more lately that to sing TOGETHER brings the biggest joy of all.
Dr Merna Nicholls
Programme Director: Choral Development
Merna Nicholls has always had a passion for music and choral singing. She has been privileged to sing and work with some of our country’s and the world’s most prestigious conductors and choral educators. After completing her undergraduate degree in Music she went and stepped into the Music education sector. After gaining insight and experience in the music education sector, she gained her masters in Music education specialising in the role of music education in a multicultural South-Africa. She has always had a passion for education and education through music.
Having been part of some of our country’s most prestigious choirs, she knew how big of an opportunity and platform it was. She has understood the importance of giving back and sharing her knowledge as a choral singer herself but also sharing choral education through her academic qualifications in Choral education. Enriching choirs with new knowledge and working with conductors who have not had the opportunities she had is what drives her to teach and grow the choral community through teaching.
Support Team
Eleanor Lea
Social Media Intern
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: I love getting to document all the amazing choirs that come to perform at a CCNF event. The behind the scenes stuff is what really matters and I’m grateful I get to be there to commemorate it.
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: I have been in choirs since I was small so working for an organization that aims to promote and grow the choirs across our country was the best choice for me! I get to work around people who love doing the same things I do, the excellent music along the way is just a bonus.
Q: A random fact about you.
A: I learned some handy skills during my time as a Scout. You never know when you’ll need to build a raft!
Victoria Mogashoa
Position: Logistics Intern, Stage and Venue Management
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: Having to make phone calls and connect with people from near and far through cell phone and email interactions.
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: I chose CCNF because of my love for music, as I believed I could go far in my music journey.
Q: A random fact about you.
A: I’m talkative when I’m nervous (queue for “I’m shy”).
Braiton Valentine
Stage Manager
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: Helping to ensure that everything runs smoothly and getting to connect with the performers behind the scenes
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: I chose to work for CCNF because I believe in what the company stands for, bringing choirs and orchestras together from across the country. It’s a foundation that puts choirs on the map and offers incredible exposure.
Q: A random fact about you.
A: I enjoy cooking and baking, and I love taking naps.
Diago Jackson
Stage manager
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: Getting to witness the amazing talent across South Africa.
Q: Why did you choose to work for CCNF?
A: Been a lover of choral music, and CCNF just goes above and beyond to keep choral music alive in South Africa. It feels amazing to be part of the vision.
Q: A random fact about you.
A: After every successful show, I would cry. I also have my sunglasses on, so no one can see
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