Soweto Gospel Choir Returns to Boston; Concert Proceeds to Benefit South African AIDS Orphans

The noted South African choral group Soweto Gospel Choir will be performing at Symphony Hall this Sunday, February 12th at 3 p.m. Anti-apartheid movement veterans, human rights activists, and music lovers take note. And it's not just great music, it's for a good cause.

From the choir's press release:

"As South African natives who have become world citizens through their gift of music, Soweto Gospel Choir, firmly believes in their mission to support individuals who are less fortunate. As highly regarded as they are for their music, the Choir is equally celebrated for their work on behalf of AIDS orphans and families affected by the AIDS pandemic in South Africa.

"Through the Choir’s charitable initiative Nkosi’s Haven/Vukani (meaning to arise, do something!!) they provide assistance by feeding and clothing individuals, paying for funerals for needy families and assisting numerous young children who are orphaned by AIDS.

"The program, which is funded through money raised at their concerts, has raised over $600,000. This is an impressive feat considering they receive no government or private funding.

"Soweto Gospel Choir is undoubtedly the most exciting vocal group to emerge from South Africa since Ladysmith Black Mambazo. They have enchanted world-wide audiences since its creation in November 2002 by South African Executive Producer Beverly Bryer and the notable and late Musical Director David Mulovhedzi. The current and original producing team is Andrew Kay and David Vigo. Bryer and Mulovhedzi, held auditions in Soweto to form an all-star “super-choir,” and were able to create a powerful aggregation made up of the best singers from Mulovhedzi’s own Holy Jerusalem Choir, as well as various Soweto churches, community groups and from the general public. South Africa has long been noted for its rich musical tradition in particular singers in the great acapella vocal tradition. Additionally, dancing is an integral part of African church worship and so the dancing seen onstage is an authentic representation of the African religious experience. Adorned in the beautifully bright colors of ‘the rainbow nation,’ the choir performs an exotic blend of South African spirituals, traditional Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho gospel songs which are interspersed with popular songs and folk anthems."

Tickets are available here http://www.bso.org/Performance/Detail/22876/.