Celebrate Freedom Day With The Durban Gospel Choir!
The Durban Gospel Choir is one of several musical acts who will be performing at the Freedom Day concert on April 27 at the Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban. (Photo: Lwandile Ngubentombi)
Illa Thompson – The Durban Gospel Choir will be performing a musical concert on Freedom Day, April 27 from 16:00 to 18:00 at the Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban in a programme entitled “Songs of Hope and Freedom.”
Alongside with the choir, the concert will also feature guest performances by Standard Bank Young Artist recipient Musa Hlatshwayo; Karen Van Pletsen; multi-award winning Durban actor Mpume FX Mthombeni; jazz singer Xolisa Roro Gqoli-Dlamini; the Glenwood Junior Primary school choir; composer Burton Curtis Naidoo, who will debut “Hymn for Him”, and many more.
“The Emmanuel Cathedral will erupt with songs of hope and freedom, guaranteed to fill all present with renewed hope and fresh inspiration,” said Ms van Pletsen, who also serves as the concert co-ordinator and creative director.
A Celebration To Unite Us
Musical items will include songs such as the global anthem “We Shall Overcome”; South African struggle anthem “Senzeni Na?”; Sophiatown classic “Meadowlands”; the late Hugh Masekela’s rousing “Stimela”; the Beatles classic “Let It Be”; Labi Siffre’s “Something Inside So Strong”; Joy’s “Paradise Road”, and Savuka’s haunting anthem “Asimbonanga”, among others.
Ms Karen van Pletsen, who is the concert co-ordinator and creative director, describes the programme as a “feast”. (Photo courtesy of Mini World Youth Day)
“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,” explained Ms van Pletsen.
“Through music, we will remember the past and dream of our future.”
Don’t Miss Out!
The concert is presented by the Raise Your Voice Foundation as part of their #MeetInTheMusic campaign. It was also made possible with support of a development grant from the Arts and Culture Trust, the Denis Hurley Centre (which neighbours the cathedral), Black Coffee Design, the hosting Emmanuel Cathedral, and members of the Durban Gospel Choir.
In the spirit of Freedom Day, there will be no entrance fees, 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 participate in a guided walk around the Denis Hurley Centre and cathedral precinct.
“This concert will be a feast for your weary ears, eyes, hearts and minds, so make sure you don’t miss this memorable experience!” said Ms van Pletsen.
For any queries, please contact Karen Van Pletsen on 082 750 8425, or email .
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