South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center presents SOWETO Gospel Choir
Songs of the Free: Celebrating the Centennial Of Nelson Mandela’s birth
South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is excited to present the inspiring SOWETO Gospel Choir on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. Hailing from the town of Soweto (South West Township), the birthplace of the South African democratic movement struggle for freedom, SOWETO Gospel Choir has thrilled audiences around the world with their stunning blend of African gospel, freedom songs and international classics. SOWETO Gospel Choir is a GRAMMY® Award-Winning awe-inspiring 20 member ensemble. Songs of the Free is a program celebrating the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. Songs of the Free was named one of the Top 26 must-see shows in Milwaukee in 2018 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
This is a special concert by the choir who performed for Nelson Mandela on many occasions during his life and who sang at his State funeral at home in South Africa as well as at his commemorative service at Westminster Cathedral in London. Prepare to be moved through earthy rhythms and rich harmonies sung in 6 of South Africa’s 11 official languages. This program will uplift your soul through the music and dance of South Africa.
“We are honored and thrilled to be able to present such an awe-inspiring choir. Performing arts have the power to educate, inspire, lift spirits and change lives. We see these things happening for people of all ages at SMPAC, and it’s why the performing arts play a vital role in the community and around the world,” said Rachel Sorce, Executive Director at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.
At the annual Nelson Mandela lecture in Johannesburg on July 17th of this year, where former president Barack Obama and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke, the SOWETO Gospel Choir opened the event by singing the South African National Anthem.
As part of this special presentation, there will be a gallery of photographs by Milwaukee artist Christopher McIntyre Perceptions from his recent visit to Liv Village, a long-term foster care community for youth in Durban, South Africa. Proceeds from the sale of the framed prints will go directly back to Liv Village. Christopher and his wife Jessica are moving from Milwaukee to Durban this month and continuing their humanitarian work there. To support their visit tiny.cc/TipCMP and make a donation.
The Soweto Gospel Choir will also meet and work with the students of South Milwaukee High School for an outreach event during the school day.
Tickets are available now: Adult $49-65, Senior (ages 60+) $45-59, Student (ages 4 thru college) $20-30. Tickets may be purchased online at www.southmilwaukeepac.org or through our box office at 414-766-5049 or in person at 901 15th Avenue. Box office hours are M-F (by phone 10-4 and walk-up 10-1). If purchasing in person, ring bell at door #7 and show ID. Sales at the door open one hour before the show, while tickets last.
South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is excited to present the inspiring SOWETO Gospel Choir on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. Hailing from the town of Soweto (South West Township), the birthplace of the South African democratic movement struggle for freedom, SOWETO Gospel Choir has thrilled audiences around the world with their stunning blend of African gospel, freedom songs and international classics. SOWETO Gospel Choir is a GRAMMY® Award-Winning awe-inspiring 20 member ensemble. Songs of the Free is a program celebrating the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. Songs of the Free was named one of the Top 26 must-see shows in Milwaukee in 2018 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
