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Thursday, April 19, 2018

SONGS OF HOPE AND FREEDOM


(Durban Gospel Choir. Photo by Lwandile Ngubentombi)

Durban Gospel Choir and friends will be performing a musical celebration on Freedom Day, April 27 from 16h00, at the glorious Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban in a programme entitled Songs of Hope and Freedom.

“The Emmanuel Cathedral will erupt with Songs of Hope and Freedom guaranteed to fill all present with renewed hope and fresh inspiration. The concert will remind listeners of our common struggles, shared victories and the role that music has and can play in achieving the former. It will be a celebration of what unites us – of our shared humanity and hopes for the future. Through music we will remember the past and dream of our future,” explains event co-ordinator and Creative Director, Karen van Pletsen.

The production will feature the Durban Gospel Choir with guest performances by Standard Bank Young Artist recipient Musa Hlatshwayo; Karen Van Pletsen (Creative Director), multi award-winning Durban actor, Mpume FX Mthombeni; jazz diva Xolisa Roro Gqoli-Dlamini; the Glenwood Junior Primary school choir; talented composer Burton Curtis Naidoo who will debut Hymn for Him and many more.

Musical items will include songs such as the global anthem We Shall Overcome, South African struggle anthem Senzenina, Sophiatown classic Meadowlands, Hugh Masekela’s rousing Stimela , Beatles classic Let it be, Labi Siffre’s Something Inside so strong, Joy’s Paradise Road, Savuka’s haunting anthem Asimbonanga and various new compositions.

The production is presented by the Raise Your Voice Foundation as part of their #MeetInTheMusic campaign and made possible with support of a development grant from the Arts and Culture Trust, the vibrant Denis Hurley Centre (which neighbours the cathedral), the ever-generous Black Coffee Design, gracious hosts the Emmanuel Cathedral Durban and of course, the immensely talented members of the Durban Gospel Choir.

In the spirit of Freedom Day, tickets are FREE but donations are encouraged towards covering the extensive costs of the concert. Parking will be available at the Durban Victoria Market across the road and audience members are encouraged to venture into the city ahead of the concert to enjoy the city’s sights and sounds, or participate in a guided walk around the dynamic and vibrant Denis Hurley Centre and Cathedral precinct. Contact the Denis Hurley centre for more details of available tours.

Songs of Hope and Freedom will be a feast for your weary ears, eyes, hearts and minds so make sure you don’t miss this memorable experience!” concludes Van Pletsen.

For more information contact Karen Van Pletsen on 082 750 8425 or email info@raiseyourvoice.co.za