This past Saturday, I attended a concert by the African Children’s Choir, at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. This concert was part of the Penn Presents 2008-2009 season. The choir is comprised of children from Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Rwanda. The choir performed traditional songs and dances from their home countries.
They were fabulous. Their voices were truly angelic. I could feel what they were saying through their voices even though I did not understand the languages the songs were sung. Also, the drummers were sensational. They were the heartbeat of the choir. The intricate designs and the colorfulness of the costumes worn by the choir complemented the singing, dancing and drumming. Kudos to the costume designers Pricilla Kurutu and Barbara Serungoli.
A hearty thanks also goes to Ray Barnett, an Irish minister, who founded the African Children’s Choir, in 1984, in Uganda. The choir was first made-up of Ugandan orphans and refugee children. Since then, the choir is now comprised of children from several African countries. The money that is raised from the concerts given by the African Children’s Choir goes to fund orphanages and schools and pay for the school tuition of many children in Africa. Today, as a result of the funds raised by the choir, some former choir members who are now adults are doctors, teachers and journalists.
They were fabulous. Their voices were truly angelic. I could feel what they were saying through their voices even though I did not understand the languages the songs were sung. Also, the drummers were sensational. They were the heartbeat of the choir. The intricate designs and the colorfulness of the costumes worn by the choir complemented the singing, dancing and drumming. Kudos to the costume designers Pricilla Kurutu and Barbara Serungoli.
A hearty thanks also goes to Ray Barnett, an Irish minister, who founded the African Children’s Choir, in 1984, in Uganda. The choir was first made-up of Ugandan orphans and refugee children. Since then, the choir is now comprised of children from several African countries. The money that is raised from the concerts given by the African Children’s Choir goes to fund orphanages and schools and pay for the school tuition of many children in Africa. Today, as a result of the funds raised by the choir, some former choir members who are now adults are doctors, teachers and journalists.
The African Children’s Choir repertoire of songs and dances were varied. My favorite song performed by the choir was Nkosi Sikele, which is the national anthem for South Africa and my favorite dance was the Can Dance which is also from South Africa. This particular dance included a lot of movement with can-shaped objects the singers held in and moved with their hands.
For more information on sponsoring a child, volunteering with the African Children’s Choir, giving to any of their current projects or their concert schedule please contact them at: info@africanchildrenschoir.com , telephone- 1-877-532-865, or visit their website at www.africanchildrenschoir.com
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1 comment:
OMG! This blog is so inspirational! I can't wait for The African Childrens Choir next visit to philly. This review makes feel extremly proud of Africa! Keep on writing!
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