Prof Elsabé Kloppers

Discipline of Practical Theology

College of Human Sciences
School of Humanities
Professor Extraordinarius
Tel:	012 429 6589
E-mail:	kloppec@unisa.ac.za

Qualifications

DMus (University of Pretoria) (2005);
DTh (Practical Theology) (Liturgical Studies) (University of South Africa) (1998);
MDiv (University of Pretoria) (1994) (Cum Laude);
BMus (Hons) (University of Pretoria) (1993) (Cum Laude);
BD (University of Pretoria) (1990) (Cum Laude);
BA (Greek, Hebrew, Latin) (Non-degree purposes) (1985-1987);
BA (Hons) (Philosophy) (University of Pretoria) (1981) (Cum Laude);
BA (University of Pretoria) (1980)

NRF Rating

Fields of academic interests

Worship and singing in ecumenical contexts
Worship in an African context
Religious singing in secular places
Songs from Africa
Spirituality of worship
Worship and leadership
Hymns and creation

Field of Specialisation

Liturgical and ritual studies
Hymnology and religious music
Homiletics and hermeneutics
Aesthetics
Religious communication
Hymns and translation

Journal articles

Book chapters

2020: Sounding the sacred in the age of fake news – Practical Theology reflecting on the public sphere. HTS Theological Studies/ PT 76(2), a6131. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v76i2.6131
2020: Singing and Sounding the Sacred – the Function of Religious Songs and Hymnsin the Public Sphere. Journal for the Study of Religion 33/1.
2020: Te Deum Laudamus – Grosser Gott, wir loben dich. A discussion of translations inAfrikaans. HTS Theological Studies 76/3.
2020 Performing the sacred – Aspects of singing and contextualisation in South Africa. HTS Theological Studies, Vol 76, No 2, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v76i2.5477
2019: Grosser Gott, wir loben dich - Grote God, ons bring U eer – katoliek, protestants, ekumenies. In: Vir die Musiekleier 39, Des 2019, 104 – 121.
2019: Singing towards the future... VENI, VENI EMMANUEL. Acta Theologica 2019 39(2):50-71
2018: Performing Messiah amid the paradoxes – Preaching prophetically in public. In Len Hansen & Johan Cilliers (Eds.) Preaching Promise within the Paradoxes of Life. Studia Homiletica 11. African Sun Media. Stellenbosch, 141-150
2018: Eine Michaelis-Predigt mit Händel. In Karl Friedrich Ulrichs (Hg.) Predigten zu Händels Oratorium Messiah. EBVerlag: Berlin.
2017: Where all are welcome … Leading worship rich in diversity. In Jack Barentsen, Steven C. van den Heuvel, Volker Kessler (eds.), Increasing Diversity – Loss of Control or Adaptive Identity Construction? Peeters. Leuven.
2016: 'MY HOME IS YOUR HOME...' Hymns travelling the world. In Tapani Innanen and Veli-Matti Salminen (Eds). Hymn – Song – Society – International hymnological studies. Church Research Institute (CRI): Tampere, Finland. 82 -114. ISBN 978-951-693-346-0
2015: Bewegung und Wiederhall. Zu Jochen Arnolds Liedpredigt, in Schwier, Helmut (Hg.) Ostern Predigen. LIT Verlag: Berlin. ISBN 978-3-643-12979-6.
2010: Nuwe Liedere 1 (New songs and hymns for the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa). (Editor). Institute for Church Music in South Africa: Pretoria.
2008: Beginsels vir die erediens, konsep liturgieë en die Kerkjaar in Diensboek. (Book of Worship, Dutch Reformed Church in Africa.)
2007: The hymnic identities of the Afrikaner, in Eric Ayisi Akrofi, ‎Maria Smit, ‎Stig-Magnus Thorsén (Eds). Music and Identity: Transformation and Negotiation. African Sun Media 181-198.
2003: Laat Sions berg weerklink van vreug, laat Juda's dogters hul verheug. Hymns, Hymnals and the National Identity of the Afrikaner. In: Kück, C. & Kurzke, H. (Hrsg.) Kirchenlied und nationale Identität. Tübingen: Francke, 206 – 221.
2001: 60 hymn texts and liturgical forms in Liedboek van die Kerk. Cape Town: Lux Verbi.
1999: Kerkmusiek – 'n Beskeie bydrae? In Twintigste eeu Hervormde Teologie, Van Wyk, D J C (Ed), Pretoria: Sentik, 286–300.

Journal articles

2018: Die teks, musiek en werking van “STILLE NACHT” (1818 – 2018). Vir die Musiekleier 38, Des 2018.
2017: Hymns across the water … Translated and relocated: The reception of Scottish hymns in translation. In HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 73(2), 4500. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v73i2.4500
2017: Klinkende ruimte. Reformasie deur die Kerklied. (Sounding space. Reformation through singing.) HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 73(1), a4561. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v73i1.4561
2016: Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people… Die Rezeption von Händels Messias in Südafrika. In: Hochschule für Kirchenmusik Heidelberg (Hg.), Spiritus Musicae 5. Heidelberger Summer School zu Musik und Religion, HfK aktuell, Heft 11, 2016.
2016: Die verruiming van klank – die verruiming van geloof. GG Cillié Gedenklesing. (Extending the possibilities of sound – extending the faith.) Vir die Musiekleier 43.
2015: Glas in beeld – beeld in glas. Verkondiging in fragment en fragmente van verkondiging... (Co-author Wian Kloppers) HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 71(3) http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hts.v71i3.3044
2015: Elkaar zijn wij gegeven... Die rol van sang in die vorming en opbou van die geloofsgemeenskap. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 71(3), http://www.hts.org.za/index.php/HTS/article/view/3036/pdf
2015: ek sterf in die ongebore woord ... Die liturgie as kunswerk. Tydskrif vir HervormdeTeologie THT Jaargang 3, Vol 1, 1, 14 – 23 (Co-author Wian Kloppers)
2014: Die kosmischen Schreie, die durch die Schöpfung klingen, die Geburtswehen der Sterne... Neue Lieder über Gottes Schöpfung. In: Hochschule für Kirchenmusik Heidelberg (Hg.), Spiritus Musicae - 3. Heidelberger Summer School zu Musik und Religion, HfK aktuell Heft 9, 2014, 43 – 47
2013: Die Wirkung von Psalm 130 im Leben der Reformierten in Südafrika, in HfK-aktuell, Heidelberg Hochschule für Kirchenmusik, HfK aktuell Heft 8, Dezember 2013 [2. Summer School zu Musik und Religion, 28 - 30 June 2013 ]
2013: Ubi caritas est vera, deus ibi est… The Lord’s Prayer – God’s present future. In NGTT 54, 3 & 4, 212 – 222, http://ngtt.journals.ac.za/pub/article/viewFile/400/503
2013: As in heaven... Reading the Lord’s Prayer with a view to constructing a sermon. NGTT 54, 1 & 2, 70 – 80, http://ngtt.journals.ac.za/pub/article/viewFile/324/431
2013: 'n Lied moet klink om gehoor te word – Faktore wat die resepsie van kerkliedere kan beïnvloed / A hymn must be sung to be heard ... : Aspects that could influence the reception of hymns and psalms" in HTS Theological Studies 69(1), http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hts.v69i1.1351
2012: People of God? Singing the Psalms as a Reflection of Identity – Perspectives from South Africa and Scotland. NGTT Vol 53, 3 & 4 (2012), 160 – 168, http://ngtt.journals.ac.za/pub/article/viewFile/282/392
2011: Gestaltegewing van geloof – Aspekte van outentieke geloofskommunikasie’ (Faith embodied – Aspects of the authentic communication of the faith), HTS Theological Studies 67(3).
2010: Tyd as gawe – God se tyd: Die Polsslag van die kerkjaar. Time as a gift – God’s time: The Rhythm of the Church Year. ACTA THEOLOGICA, 30/2, December 2010, 50 – 66.
2010: Summoning the Strength: Songs of Struggle in South Africa. (Short paper) I.A.H. Bulletin 38.
2007: Singing Hymns under the Southern Cross: The Liedboek van die Kerk, a New Afrikaans Hymnal. In: FONTES ARTIS MUSICAE, July-September 2007, 291 - 307.
2005: Handelinge in die erediens: Die verryking van die liturgie deur musiek/ Actions in the service: Enriching liturgy through music. HTS Theological Studies Vol 61/1 & 2, 165-190.
2003: Postmodernisme, Nostalgie and the Hymniese Geheue. (Postmodernism, Nostalgia and the Hymnic Memory) STILET XV: 2, September 2003, 200-217. (Journal of the South African Society for Literature)
2003: Die invloed van 'n postmoderne tydsgees op die kerklied – enkele rigtingwysers. (The influence of a postmodern culture on hymns and hymnals) Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif (NGTT) 44/ 3 & 4, 320–329.
2003: Singend is die geloof in sy element... Gemeentesang as kommunikatiewe handeling, Acta Theologica 23/2, 136–145. (Congregational Singing as a Communicative Action)
2003: Verkondiging deur musiek – 'n aspek van kreatiewe geloofskommunikasie. HTS Theological Studies Vol 59/1, 65–84. (Proclamation through Music – An aspect of communicating the faith creatively)
2003: Die Nederduitsch Hervormde Sustersvereniging (NHSV) in 'n postmoderne samelewing, HTS Theological Studies 59/2, 523–543. (The Dutch Reformed Women's Association in a Postmodern Society) (Keynote address 43rd Congress of the Dutch Reformed Women's Association)
2003: Noem my jou metafore. Metaforiese taal as die taal van geloof (Name your metaphors.. Metaphorical language as the language of faith.) LITERATOR 24(1), 69–82.
2003: Die erediens as Gesamtkunstwerk. (The church service as an encompassing work of art) Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif (NGTT) 44 / 1 & 2, 80–88.
2003: Vernuwing in die kerklied. Die nuwe Liedboek van die Kerk 2001. Acta Theologica 23 (1), 71–82. (Renewal In Hymnody: The New Hymnal in Afrikaans, 2001)
2003: Veni, veni, o oriens... Die erediens as kommunikatiewe handeling gerig op oriëntering, uitdrukking, verandering en verbintenis. In die Skriflig 37(1) 2003, 115–127.
2003: Musiekbediening? 'n Prinsipiële begronding. Vir die Musiekleier 30, 11-19
2002: Transendering van die alledaagse. Die erediens as fees. Transcending Everydayishness... The Festive Character of the Worship Service. Praktiese Teologie in Suid-Afrika 17(2), 61–74.
2002: DIE GOD IS ONSE GOD... Hymns, hymnals and the national identity of the Afrikaner – A critical assessment. Religion and Theology 9 / 3&4, 183–198.
2002: Woorde in die mond gelê? Psalmomdigtings en die proses van kanonvorming. Acta Theologica 22/1, 42-56.
2002: 'n Perspektief op die nuwe Psalmomdigting – reaksie op 'n reaksie. HTS 58/1, 235–249. (A Perspective on the New Versification of the Psalter)
2001: The intelligent initiative of deciphering. Praktiese Teologie as hermeneuties-kritiese teologie. Scriptura 78, 457–466. (Practical Theology as Hermeneutical-Critical Theology)
2000: Ubi caritas et amor deus ibi est: Die Pastorale Funksie van die Kerklied. Praktiese Teologie in Suid-Afrika, Vol 15(2) 99–111. (The Pastoral Function of the Hymn)
2000: 'n Nuwe Psalmomdigting in Afrikaans: uitgangspunte, beleid, probleme. HTS Theological Studies 56/1, 192–204. (A new Metrical Psalter in Afrikaans: Premises, Policy, Problems)
2000: Die Vyfde Evangelis? Die teologiese bydrae van J S Bach. Vir die Musiekleier 27, 6–11. (The Fifth Evangelist? The theological contribution of J S Bach.)
1999: Die Gesangboek van die Reformierte Kirche in Switserland – 'n voorbeeld om na te volg. Vir die Musiekleier 26, 13–16 The new Hymnal of the Reformierte Kirche in Switzerland.
1997: Liturgical music: Worship or war? Reprinted: HTS Theological Studies 53/1 & 2, 172-184.
1995: Liturgical music: Worship or war? Dialog 34 (USA), 199–206.
1994: Liturgiese koorsang as wyse van kerklike verkondiging – 'n Prinsipiële besinning vanuit hermeneuties-homiletiese perspektief. HTS 50/3, 583–609.

Book Reviews

2000: Eucharistic Worship in Ecumenical Contexts: The Lima Liturgy – and beyond. Best, TF & Heller, D (eds). HTS Theological Studies 56/1, 322.

1996: Sing nuwe sange, nuutgebore: Liturgie en Lied, Strydom, W M L. HTS Theological Studies 52/1, 219–221.

Reviews: Compact discs and music

2004 CD Universiteitsoord. Wim Viljoen. Vir die Musiekleier 31, 50-60
2004 Review article: CD Met ons harte sing ons, Here – NG Gemeente Kameeldrif. Vir die Musiekleier 31, 63-68
2004 CD Orrelbegeleiding: Liedboek van die Kerk: Vir die Musiekleier 31, 62.
2003 Review: Koraalinleidings en harmonisasies. Theo de Villiers. Vir die Musiekleier 30
2002 Review: Somerkersfees. Singkronies Kamerkoor. Vir die Musiekleier 29, 67.
2002 Review: Loof die Here – 30 Jaar Feeskonsert. Vir die Musiekleier 29, 68.
2001 The Trumpet shall sound. Wim Viljoen & Anton Delen. Vir die Musiekleier 28, 68.
2001 Review: Nuwe CD 'n aanwins. Christelike Vrou Mei 2001, 31
2001 Review: Uit die nuwe Liedboek: Cantica Nova olv Marie Conradie. VdM 28, 65-66.
2000 Review: Soli Deo Gloria: Baroque Music for Organ and Trumpet. Paul Loeb van Zuilenburg and Kobus du Plooy. Vir die Musiekleier 27, 64.
1999 Review: Recital. Wim Viljoen. Konteks. March 1999, 8.
1996 Sing tot eer van die Here. NG Gemeente Universiteitsoord. VdMusiekleier 23, 70-71.

Editorial experience

1999 – 2004 Editor: Vir die Musiekleier (Journal of the South African Church Organists Society)
1998 – 2005 Dagboek vir Chistenvroue (Editor) Pretoria: Sentik
1996 – 2002 Editor: Die Christelike Vrou
1986 – 1988 Editor: Vrouehervormer

Scholarly publications in other journals

2019 Die Dag wat U, o Heer, gegee het (LvdK 567) Amptelike lied: Wêreldbiddag vir Vroue. Konteks, Jan/Feb 2019, 23.
2018 Vóór alle tye, vóór alle begin, het God gespreek en ’n lied gesing... Skepping. Konteks, Mei.
2018 Om deel te wees van die Communio Sanctorum – die Gemeenskap van Gelowiges. Konteks Junie.
2018 Die kerklied – Ruimte vir herinnering. Hoofartikel in Die Almanak. Sentik. Pretoria.
2018 Om ’n seën te wees... Die Christelike Vrou, September 24-25.
2017 Martin Luther en die kerklied. Konteks, Oktober 2017, 23.
2017 Vroue van die Hervorming. Konteks, August 2017, 4-5.
2016 In gesprek met John Roos. Welverdiende erkenning. Konteks, Maart 2016, 12-13.
2014 Skepping. Nuutskepping in musiek en poësie. Konteks, Aug 2014.
2014 Die erediens – hartklop van die gemeente, Konteks, March 2014.
2013 Hóór my stem, o Heer! Spiritus Musicae Heidelberg: Ps 130. Konteks Aug, 4-5
2012 Die stem van die Evangelie – steeds lewend? Viva vox Evangelii – Societas Liturgica Wittenberg, in Konteks, September 2012.
2011 The Psalms as a reflection of identity: Perspectives from South Africa and Scotland. In The Bulletin of the Hymn Society of Great Britain & Ireland, October 2011.
2011 Engele (Nu sjunker bullret), Konteks, Jan – Feb 2011.
2010 Twee kort liedere vir Pinkster – LvdK 162 en 311, Konteks June 2010
2010 Vierde en vyfde groep ontvang Diploma in Himnologie, Konteks, March 2010
2010 'n Doopdiens as herinnering en toekomsblik – Lied en Liturgie, Konteks, Jan - Feb
2009 ’n Skerp bewussyn vir die Kerkjaar – 'n Lewenswyse, Konteks, November 2009
2009 Die Kerklied: Waar die Ekumene geleef word, Konteks, October 2009
2009 Die struktuur van die Kerkjaar/ The structure of the Liturgical year Konteks, Aug 2009
2009 Fees van die volheid van God: Drie-eenheid, Konteks, July 2009
2009 Kom nou tesaam. 'n Lofsang vir Pinkster (LvdK 154), Konteks, June 2009
2009 Die volheid van die Evangelie moet in ons lewens sigbaar word... Die Kerkjaar gee uitdrukking aan ons belydenis, E-Hervormer
2008 Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, Konteks, November 2008
2008 ‘n Vaste Burg is onse God (Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott), Konteks, October 2008
2008 Vader in die hemel – Father, I adore you, Konteks, July 2008
2008 Liturgie vir die Lydenstyd. A Liturgy for Lent. Konteks, March 2008
2007 Soos in die hemel (Så som i himmelen). Konteks, November/December 2007
2007 Martin Luther en die kerklied (Martin Luther and the Hymn). Konteks, October 2007
2007 Kom Koningseuns en -dogters saam (O filii et filiae, Rex coelestis). (LvdK 413) Konteks, April 2007.
2007 Kantor en kantory II. Mede-verkondigers van die Woord. Konteks, March 2007
2007 Kantor en Kantory I. Ou gebruike nuut ontgin. Konteks, January/ Feb 2007
2006 Kyk, die goeie tyd is hier! (Seht, die gute Zeit ist nah). Konteks, November 2006
2006 Die oudste reformatoriese gesang: Drie-enig God, ons wil u eer. (Gloria in excelsis Deo) (LvdK 445) Konteks, July 2006
2006 Wind kan jy nie sien nie… (Vinden ser vi inte.) (LvdK 443) Konteks, June 2006
2006 Kyk, die Heer het opgestaan – Hail the Day that sees Him rise (LvdK 422) May 2006
2006 Surrexit Christus Hodie (LvdK 402), Konteks, April 2006
2006 Agnus Dei – Kyk daar, kyk, die Lam van God (LvdK 398), Konteks, March 2006
2005 Sanctus – Die lied van die Engele, Konteks, December 2005
2005 Bewaar ons, Vader, deur u Woord. (Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort.) LvdK 252) Konteks, Oct 2005
2005 Veni Creator Spiritus – Kom, Skepper Gees (LvdK 410) Konteks, June 2005, 9
2005 Die dood is dood! Die Poort na die Lig is oop (LvdK 420) Konteks, May 2005, 8.
2005 Thuma mina (LvdK 533/4) Konteks, April 2005, 15
2005 Jesus Christus, Lam van God. (Christe, du Lamm Gottes) (LvdK 379). Konteks, Maart 2005, 12-13
2004 Liturgiese handelinge deur musiek verklank. Vir die Musiekleier 31, 15-25.
2004 Nordiese Musikologiekongres: Sibelius Akademie, Finland, Vir die Musiekleier 31.
2004 Musiek in die Erediens (Music in the Church Service – 12-part series). Die Hervormer
2004 Somerkersfees in Halifax (Liedboek van die Kerk 358). Konteks, December 2004.
2004 Maak oop die poorte – Macht hoch die Tür (LvdK 324) Konteks November 2004.
2004 O kom, o kom – Veni, veni, Immanuel (Liedboek van die Kerk 320). Konteks, November 2004.
2004 Die kerkjaar en simboliek. Die polsslag van die Kerk. Konteks, Februarie 2004
2004 Kom, verwonder julle, mense (LvdK 351), Konteks January 2004, 10-11.
2003 Internasionale Himnologiekonferensie in Halifax, Kanada. Musiekleier 30, 47-50.
2002 Die kreatiewe inrigting van die erediens. Vir die Musiekleier 29, 14–22.
2001 Die nuwe Liedboek van die Kerk. Series in Die Hervormer.
2001 Internasionale kerkliedkonferensies: Engeland en Slovenië, in Musiekleier 28, 54-57.
2000 Himnologiekonferensies in Europa en 'n 'Bachreis', in Vir die Musiekleier 27, 50-55.
1999 Drie internasionale Himnologiekonferensies: Kanada, Wallis, Kreta, in Vir die Musiekleier 26, 49-53.
1998 Historiese Psalmomdigting van Pierre Simond opgespoor. Vir die Musiekleier 24, 42.
1998 Woorde vir mense sonder woorde… in Vir die Musiekleier 1998, 28-30
1996 Kerkmusiekbelewenisse in Amerika en Europa, in Vir die Musiekleier 23, 39-44.

Professional positions, fellowships & awards

Member of the Executive Committee: Internationale Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Hymnologie (IAH)
Member of the Executive Committee: Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland (HSGBI)
Editor: Journal of the South African Church Organists Society (1999 – 2004)
Director of the Institute for Church Music 1997 –
Member of Hymnal Committees and Editorial Committee: Hymnal for Dutch Reformed Churches (1996 – 2001) (Chairperson NHKA delegation)
Resident Scholar: Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, Minnesota USA (1994)
KIC Awards 2012, 2014 (National Research Foundation NRF)
NZAV Award 2004 (Not taken up)
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Award for Doctoral Studies abroad (1995)
Various NRF awards
NHSV Award of Honour 2002
Students' Representative Council (SRC) (UP) (1980-81)
Dux Honorary Colours: University of Pretoria (1981)
Colours for academic excellence (six times): University of Pretoria (1981 – 2005)

Projects

Heidelberger Summer School on Religion and Music (2013-2016)
Swedish-South African Research Network on Music and Identity 2004 – 2007
Research and leadership: Hymnal for the Afrikaans Churches 1996 – 2001

Other

International Academic Memberships:

Internationale Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Hymnologie (IAH) (Member of the Executive Committee)
International Academy for Practical Theology (IAPT)
Societas Homiletica
Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland (HSGBI) (Member of the Executive Committee)
The Hymn Society in the USA and Canada
Societas Liturgica
Kultur-Liturgie-Spiritualität (Ku-Li-Spi) (2012 – 2016)

National Academic Memberships:

Spirituality Association of South Africa (SPIRASA)
Society for Practical Theology in South Africa
The South African Church Organist Society