The Soweto Gospel Choir, an awe-inspiring vocal ensemble from South Africa, will deliver its uplifting spiritual message in song and dance to local audiences Tuesday.
Traveling by tour bus, the group is working its way toward Baltimore after picking up the Best Traditional World Music for their 2006 CD, “Blessed,” at the Grammy Awards.
“I?m looking forward to the return to Baltimore,” said Lucas Bok, one of the choir?s musical directors. “Last year?s performance was such a huge success.”
In fact, in March of last year, the choir performed for a nearly sold-out audience at the Meyerhoff.
Also from the tour bus, Shimmy Jiyane, the group?s choreographer added, “[I] remember the audiences in Baltimore being very enthusiastic and [I?m] excited to be back.”
No strangers to the road, either in U.S. tours or international bookings, the Soweto Gospel Choir made its North American debut in 2005, performing in 35 cities across the continent. Reviews were copious and stellar, such as the one from the Atlanta Journal in March of 2005 that proclaimed “hearing the full choir harmonize sounded less like a couple dozen people singing together and more like a pipe organ roaring to life.”
The choir, as true emissaries of world music, performs in no less than eight languages in a program of tribal, traditional, and popular African Gospel. Authentic dance and vibrant costumes add to their charisma.
As ambassadors of goodwill, the choir has opened its own AIDS Orphans foundation called Vukani (Zulu for “Get up, do something!”). The charity supports these victims by purchasing food, clothes, or products that are needed. The choir takes an active part in meeting the orphans and families as their way of giving back to society.
IF YOU GO
Soweto Gospel Choir
» Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore
» Time: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
» Ticket: $25 to $62
» More info: 410-783-8000, baltimoresymphony.org
