Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts will host “HOPE – It’s Been a Long Time Coming,” an all new concert by three-time Grammy-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, commemorating South Africa’s Freedom Movement and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The performance will be held on November 20 at 3 p.m. at the Osterhout Concert Theater.
Bringing joy to all, “HOPE” opens with a rousing program of South African freedom songs that inspired the Rainbow Nation. The choir’s uplifting performance then moves to the United States, with beautiful renditions of the music of the Civil Rights Movement, including works by legendary artists Billie Holiday, James Brown, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield and the one and only Aretha Franklin.
Hailing from Soweto (South West Township), a township outside of Johannesburg and home of Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s democratic movement, Soweto Gospel Choir continues to inspire audiences around the world with their powerful blend of African gospel, freedom songs and international classics.
Comprising a line-up of some of South Africa’s best vocalists, these uplifting performers have shared the stage and collaborated with the biggest names in contemporary music including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, U2, Diana Ross, Peter Gabriel, Chris Martin, John Legend, Pharrell Williams, Jimmy Cliff, Ben Harper, Angelique Kidjo, Robert Plant, Celine Dion, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hugh Masekela and Josh Groban.
Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in 2003 at the end of the apartheid era and during South Africa’s inspiring return to Democracy. Taking part in some of the major historical events in the new democratic South Africa, Soweto Gospel Choir are proud to have performed on many occasions for the Father of their Nation, former President Nelson Mandela, as well as at his State Funeral in South Africa and at the subsequent commemorative service at Westminster Abbey in London. They were similarly invited to perform at the funeral service for the late President’s first wife, Winnie Mandela. The Choir act as Ambassadors for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Tickets are available here.
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