A 70-voiced women’s alternative chorus all the way from Portsmouth in New Hampshire, USA, will be joined by double the number of local voices, including a school choir from Uitenhage, in celebrating Women’s Day.
This to be expected ecstatic mass choir performance will be held today at the St August-ine’s Cathedral in Prospect Hill, Port Elizabeth at 14:00.
The choir from abroad is called Voices from the Heart and consists of a “community of 200 women drawn and bound together by the shared love of music”.
They currently are on a three week musical and humanitarian adventure in South Africa.
For two years these women have been planning their South African tour, where they have set up concerts with choral groups and commissioned Xhosa composer, Bongani Magatyana, to write a special piece just for Voices from the Heart.
Their tour is also to raise money for a humanitarian cause, “Music Works,” a South African non-profit organisation that uses the power of music to unlock potential in the lives of children and their communities.
The choir, from Mary Mount Roman Catholic Secondary School in Uitenhage, is one of the choirs which have been invited to perform with Voices from the Heart.
“This is an amazing opportunity. We feel honoured and very excited to be part of this special event to celebrate Women’s Day together with this exceptional women’s choir,” said Rufus MacLean, teacher and choir conductor at Mary Mount Roman Catholic Secondary School in Uitenhage.
The other participating choirs are from St Dominic’s Priory School, Cowan High and the choir from St Augustine’s Cathedral.
“The music that we have chosen to perform will portray femininity.
“Women are sensitive and fragile. Also strong and the core of society, but sadly so many are the target of abuse.
“So, through our voices we wish to bring a message of hope and respect women for giving life,” said MacLean.
The chorus programme will consist of a musical adventure of South African and American gospel music in celebration of Women’s Day and the public are most welcome to support this event.