Allez! The harmonics of sword and song at play

By Rosemary Padi

Members of the Johannesburg Bach Choir (JBC) come from all walks of life. That much is probably obvious. Not so obvious, however, are the fascinating array of interests (plus skills, experience, hobbies and sporting exploits) that many of our members enjoy.

Marguerite Langton, a retired diagnostic radiologist who has been a member of the choir for many years, is one such person. At present she is also a member of the St George’s Anglican Church choir in Parktown, Johannesburg.

As a young woman, Marguerite sang soprano with the St Mary the Virgin’s Cathedral Choir in Johannesburg before moving overseas. On her return to South Africa she met the woman who was to become her best friend, coincidentally also called Marguerite, and introduce her to the Johannesburg Bach Choir in 2006. They shared a love of classical music, Latin and ballet among many other interests.

There was one other notable interest these two women shared: fencing. Competitive fencing no less!

Marguerite has a distinguished record as a fencer having earned national colours on several occasions. She is proud justifiably proud of this and often wears her South African colours when she comes to practice, the green and gold making a rich background to the alto section of the choir.

Having represented her country at two World Championships, once in sabre and the second time in foil, Marguerite won three gold medals, one silver and three bronze from the Veterans’ Fencing World Championships between 2006 and 2012, held in Scotland, Austria, France, Croatia and Russia respectively.

Her age and passion for singing will not stop Marguerite from taking part in a fencing competition, if the timing is right. She will put on her fencing attire, her choir uniform on top, go sing at the mass at St George’s and once done, take off the choir uniform and drive to the other side of the city to take part in a fencing competition.

Quietly spoken, Marguerite’s love for the choir and its harmonious sound is obvious. At the recent display of memorabilia to mark the choir’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of its first-ever performance, she was one of those bearing some fascinating material. One of these was the programme of the concert in 2006 when the JBC choir sang the Mozart Requiem Mass with Weiss Doubell’s Pro Musica Opera Chorus at the JBC’s 25^th anniversary concert. The second concert of note was in 2007 when the choir sang Haydn’s Creation in St

Stithian’s School Chapel, under the directorship of Dario Broccardo.The historical roots of fencing as a contemporary sport are to be found in ancient combat practices, requiring individuals to defend themselves in serious combat situations. It has evolved into a sport with a dedicated following that requires the utmost skill, speed and quick eye. Not a sport for the faint-hearted.

Not surprising therefore that Marguerite enjoys the sport for it is clear that not much puts fear into her feisty heart. This is amply demonstrated by her allergy to bees. In spite of the allergy she will never hesitate to provide a grain of sugar with a drop of water to revive a battling bee when she sees one.

1. The Bach Blog is published by The Johannesburg Bach Choir which this year celebrates its Diamond Jubilee with a gala concert in the beautiful St John’s School Chapel on 17 November 2024 at 4 pm.  For tickets access this link:  https://www.quicket.co.za/events/280731-johannesburg-bach-choir-60th-anniversary-gala-concert/#/
2. This article is written by Rosemary Padi, a member of the also section of the choir. The Bach Blog is edited by Theo Coggin. Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to our Blog.
3. Photos by Ruth Coggin, accompanist to the Johannesburg Bach Choir.