Soweto Gospel Choir kicks off its third U.S. tour with three performances at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, February 1 & 2. Recently nominated for a Grammy award as Best Traditional World Music Album for its CD ?Blessed!,? Soweto Gospel Choir is introducing its third CD ?African Spirit? on this three-month North American tour. The 26-voice Soweto Gospel Choir, plus drummers and dancers, will perform concerts in Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus, February 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the evening concerts range from $12 to $35 and can be reserved by calling UCA Ticket Central toll free at 1-866-810-0012 during regular box office hours, 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Conway residents should call 450-3265. Tickets are also available online at www.uca.edu/reynolds . Children, family, senior citizen, and group tickets are available.
The Choir will perform a 1-hour matinee concert for student groups and other groups at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2. Call UCA Ticket Central for reservations or more information.
Direct from South Africa and under the musical direction of David Mulovhedzi and Lucas Bok, Soweto Gospel Choir is an awe-inspiring vocal ensemble, performing in 5 different languages, with a program of tribal, traditional, and popular African gospel. Earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, and charismatic performances combine to uplift the soul and express South Africa?s great hopes for the future.
Since its emergence in 2002, Soweto Gospel Choir has achieved major success both overseas and in South Africa. With sold-out tours of Australia/New Zealand, Edinburgh, Europe, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the choir has secured its place as one of South Africa?s most exciting new finds.
Critics from Australia to Scotland have praised the choir for its colorful stage presentations and its vocal expertise:
?The stage erupted in a fiery frenzy? – Courier Mail, Brisbane, Australia
?Nothing can really prepare you for the riot of exuberance and depth of emotion? – The Scotsman
??they deserve five stars?a flawless performance!? – The Scotsman
They have sung for former President Nelson Mandela, for President Thabo Mbeki, as well as for their patron, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, at his 50th Wedding Anniversary and more recently, for his 75th Birthday Celebration. They also performed for President Bill Clinton during their 2005 tour of the US and were featured at the dedication ceremony for Heifer Project?s World Headquarters in Little Rock?s River Market District last March.
The choir?s mission is to showcase its talent around the world but at the same time, to give back to the local community in gratitude for the wonderful opportunities members of the choir have themselves been given over the past two years. In August 2003, the choir set up its own charity foundation in association with Nkosi?s Haven, called Nkosi?s Haven/Vukani (meaning to arise, do something!!), through which funds are raised after each performance for AIDS Orphans establishments which receive no government or private funding.
Soweto Gospel Choir is currently scheduled to appear on NBC?s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Tuesday, January 30, prior to traveling to Conway for their UCA performances.
