THE highly acclaimed Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir will visit Port Macquarie during a national tour of Australia.
Since its formation in 2002, the Soweto Gospel Choir has brought joy into the lives of audiences all over the world. In their native South Africa they have on many occasions performed for and celebrated with two of their biggest fans, patron Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the father of their nation Nelson Mandela.
Following the recent passing of Nelson Mandela, the choir has been honoured to participate in services around the world celebrating and commemorating his life. These have included the televised memorial service held in Soweto attended by President Obama and world leaders, a memorial for the Mandela Foundation in New York with President Clinton and Morgan Freeman, and most recently, at Westminster Abbey as part of the Queen’s service attended by President Zuma and Archbishop Tutu.
In recognition of the passing of such a towering figure as Nelson Mandela, the Soweto Gospel Choir dedicates the Australian concerts to his memory and will include a section dedicated to freedom songs and some of Madiba’s favourite hymns.
The choir have won praise internationally including winning the 2001 Helpmann Award, Australia’s prestigious Performing Arts Award for Best Contemporary Music Concert, the American Gospel Music Award for Best Choir and the Gospel Music Award (also US based) for Best International Choir.
They have collaborated, recorded and performed with artists including Bono and U2, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Robert Plant, Celine Dion, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Peter Gabriel, Josh Grobin as well as Andre Rieu.
They will be performing at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 12 August. Tickets cost $79. To book visit www.glasshouse.org.au or phone 6581 8888.
