Petro Coetzee
Conductor / Choir Director
“As long as I can remember, I was always singing.”
With these words, Petro captures the beginning of a lifelong musical journey—one that continues to inspire every choir she leads.
Early Musical Foundations
Raised in Potchefstroom, Petro showed exceptional musical ability from a young age. She completed Unisa and Royal Schools of Music Grade 8 Piano and Unisa Grade 6 Harmony, while receiving professional vocal training from Prof. Werner Nel, Margaret van der Post, and Anneke Dyer. Her passion for choral singing was shaped under Prof. Awie van Wyk during her years in the former Wes-Transvaal Youth Choir.
University Years and National Recognition
Petro studied physiotherapy at the University of the Free State, where she joined the University Choir under Prof. Deon Lamprecht. She excelled as both a soloist and sectional leader.
In 1994, she was selected for the National University Choir, which served as the Kuesta Masterclass Choir under the direction of Kåre Hanken from Schola Cantorum in Norway.
Choral Involvement in Potchefstroom
After returning to Potchefstroom, Petro continued her musical journey as a member of the Boulevard Harmonists and the NWU Conservatory Choir. She further refined her conducting skills through masterclasses with Kåre Hanken, Bo Rosenkull, and Christo Burger.
Vocal Training & School Choir Development
Since 2008, Petro has been responsible for the vocal training of the Laerskool Mooirivier choirs and serves as the accompanist for the school’s Senior Choir. Her work has shaped countless young voices and strengthened the school’s choral tradition.
Northwest Children’s Choir
In August 2024, Petro stepped into a new chapter as she took up the role of Conductor of the Northwest Children’s Choir, bringing her deep musical expertise, warm leadership, and lifelong love of singing to the next generation of young choristers.
Catrien Wentink
Accompanist
Catrien loves teaching and finds great joy in accompanying the Northwest Children’s Choir — a role that brings together her passions for music, choir singing, piano performance, and nurturing a lifelong love of music in children.
Catrien Wentink is a distinguished pianist and associate professor in Music Theory at the North-West University (NWU). She completed her BMus degree at NWU in 2005 before pursuing postgraduate studies in the USA under Caroline Oltmanns.
She returned to NWU to complete her MMus in 2009, the same year she earned both the ABRSM Performance Licentiate (LRSM, solo piano) and the Unisa Performance Licentiate (two pianos), each with distinction.
In 2017, Catrien obtained her DMus in Piano Performance, specialising in ensemble music and piano accompaniment, under the guidance of Dr. Truida van der Walt.
A passionate chamber musician, Catrien performs regularly across South Africa and abroad. Since 2018, she has been a member of Trio Joie de Vivre (piano, bassoon, flute), with performances at national festivals such as Aardklop and the Wakkerstroom Classical Music Festival, as well as international conferences in the USA, Finland, and Luxembourg.
Catrien loves teaching and finds great joy in accompanying the North-West Children’s Choir - a role that brings together her passions for music, choir singing, piano performance, and nurturing a lifelong love of music in children.
Elsje Kruger
Choir Manager
Elsje’s love for choral singing, combined with her dedication to creating enriching experiences, makes her an invaluable leader within the choir. Under her guidance, children benefit from meaningful opportunities, cultural exposure, and memorable musical journeys.
Elsje Kruger is an accomplished educator and organiser with nearly four decades of experience in teaching and youth development. She holds a BCom Accounting degree from the North-West University in Potchefstroom and began her career in education shortly thereafter. Her strong leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence led to her appointment as Head of the Department of Economic Sciences.
Experience in Choral Organisation
Elsje has been actively involved with the North-West Children’s Choir since 2004. She initially served as treasurer before assuming the role of organiser in 2007. In this capacity, she has successfully coordinated numerous national concert tours and three international tours across Austria, Italy, Prague, Slovenia, France, Germany, England, and The Netherlands. Her organisational expertise, attention to detail, and passion for choral music have contributed significantly to the choir’s growth and reputation.
Educational Philosophy & Impact
With 38 years of teaching experience, Elsje is deeply committed to the holistic development of children. She believes strongly in exposing young people to diverse opportunities from an early age and maintains that children are capable of far more than is often expected of them. Her work continues to shape children’s worldviews, confidence, and sense of possibility.
Leadership in the North-West Children’s Choir
Elsje’s love for choral singing, combined with her dedication to creating enriching experiences, makes her an invaluable leader within the choir. Under her guidance, children benefit from meaningful opportunities, cultural exposure, and memorable musical journeys.