Choristers out to hit high notes for Madiba

TALENTED choristers will entertain music lovers during the much-awaited Concert Tribute to Nelson Mandela at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown, Johannesburg, on July 31.

They are the Gauteng Choristers, Kopano Chorus, Voices of the Nation and Mzansi Choir, who are expected to share the stage with the highly respected Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and poet Zolani Mkiva. Tickets are available from Computicket.

Conducted by Ralf Schmitt, the 45-member Mzansi Youth Choir was established in July 2003, and one of the highlights of the choir - most of which members hail from Soweto - was sharing the stage with Columbian pop music superstar Shakira and top local band Freshlyground, to perform the official World Cup song WakaWaka at both the kick-off and finale of the 2010 Soccer World Cup last year.

Kopano Chorus, conducted by Monty Manamela and managed by Katlego Lebelo, features aspiring choristers from Tshwane, and was established in January 2005. A significant milestone was being crowned regional champions in the Old Mutual National Choir Festival finals in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Conductor Sidwell Mhlongo says the Gauteng Choristers have a long history with the Old Mutual National Choir Festival, in which they have competed each year since the choir started in 1998. In 2010, they gained automatic entry to the national finals of this contest.

And, fittingly, they went on to be crowned national 2010 champions.

For 2011 they again enjoy automatic entry to the competition and are expected to defend their title. Voices of the Nation, conducted by Xolani Frazer Gqasana, also hail from Pretoria and were formed in August 2009 and, according to Mhlongo, have proved to be a formidable force in choral music, after having been placed in the top three positions in most of the top local choral music competitions. They have also enjoyed several appearances in Imizwilili.

They are taking the baton from performers at the inaugural Concert Tribute for Nelson Mandela, held in Cape Town in June, namely the Joyful Harmonies, Simon Estes, Heavenly Voices, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Choir, Pro Canto Choir, Abavuki Marimba and Jazz band and the self-same Mkiva.

This Ukhamba-organised and Sowetan and Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation-supported tribute honours Madiba's selflessness, humility, ubuntu and yearning for freedom in a repertoire that also honours other freedom stalwarts, who shared the dreams of South Africa's first democratically-elected president. Khamba produces the popular SABC1 music shows Imizwilili and Rootz. Songs lined up for the show include Simon Bhekathini Phelelani Mnomiya's Kuhle Kwethu,Siyabonga Maqhawe and Ziyeza Izingqulungqulu, Masiza's Vukani Mawethu, Matshikiza's Hamba Kahle, young Themba Madlopha's From Apartheid To Freedom and Khumalo's song, Insizw'endala.

Ukhamba head Ali Mpofu has said: "Some of our musicians and singers, such as Sibongile Mngoma, come from the choral background before they broke into mainstream jazz. I believe that since Mzansi's dearest old man, Madiba, loved accapela - and is revered as a people's person - why not combine both; that is: celebrate him in choral and orchestral music, while we bring together people of all races and a diverse range of beliefs and allegiance."

• Sadly, owing to partnership-related snags, Ukhozi FM, Lesedi FM, Motsweding FM and Umhlobo Wenene FM, will no longer feature as additional media and publicity partners. BlackMotion Productions, who are expected to beef up the project's logistics, are still on board.