Half a millennium of music is the soundtrack foundation
of the music director of the Johannesburg Bach Choir

By Jemima Cantrell

The ongoing continuum of musical expression is central to the entire personal and professional demeanor of Tim Roberts, the affable musical director of the Bach choir.

Tim speaks readily of his experience of music and the enjoyment it gives him. While primary school singing every Friday morning may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Tim recalls his genuine enjoyment in his youth of participating in such singing, of doing so with great happiness, and of being even more chuffed when he discovered he was “quite good at it”. He went on to sing in the local cathedral choir which he says “was a significant step up and truly hooked me on music by the time I was about 14 years old”.

As a youngster his choice of music suggested that he would become the musician we know now – a person constantly seeking out different genres and new music. The eclectic soundtrack that provided the backing to his teenage years ranged from 16^th composer Palestrina to 20^th century rock band, The Clash.

“These experiences ingrained in me a love for both vocal and instrumental music, as well as becoming involved in groups making music.” That is well illustrated in his unique skill in leading the Bach Choir.

As principal oboist for the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra, he performs and is part of something larger than himself. He continues his contribution to music with the enormous energy and vision that goes into being the doyen of the St Francis Music Festival, presented in autumn each year at St Francis of Assisi in Parkview, Johannesburg. Many a musician has made their debut at that festival and the Bach Choir performs there each year.

Balancing all these roles comes naturally to him because they all revolve around his core passion for music and people.

Tim’s great affinity for people is rooted in his pride in the achievements of each person he comes across. This is well expressed in his family – his wife Fiona, and their three children, Tom, Isabelle and Katy. He speaks of them with great warmth and they are often to be seen at his concerts.

Tim’s vision, however, extends far and wide: “Groups that form our daily lives and many others are struggling. Families, colleagues at work, churchgoers, business people and other professionals. For people such as these, groups like choirs, book clubs, bridge groups and the like are really important. Belonging to such groups provides people with a sense of community, belonging and shared purpose.”

“For people [who are struggling], groups like choirs …. provides people with a sense of community, belonging and shared purpose.”tim roberts, musical director

Thus Tim is convinced that music, choirs, orchestras, theatres and the arts will become even more important in the next decade. Celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the Johannesburg Bach Choir in 2024 provides a unique opportunity to set the tone for the future.

Then he adds, perhaps with a hint of nostalgia: “When one is younger one feels invincible. But as one gets older, one starts to be aware of the fleeting nature of life, and the deep emotional resonance that music and singing can provide. For me, music has become a way to connect with the past and imagine the lives of composers and performers as they themselves aged.”

Everything about this kind, modest and approachable man and his love of music and commitment to the communities of people of which we are part speaks of his love of building a legacy for today and the future that is yet to be.

• Jemina Cantrell is a long-standing member of the Johannesburg Bach Choir. She studied music in Germany and she generously shares her skills with other musicians.

Music Director Tim Roberts (centre) with chairperson Leona Malan (right) and accompanist Ruth Coggin (left) [Photo: Theo Coggin]