The Soweto Gospel Choir - Hope
Despite a packed house at their first performance, I feel that The Soweto Gospel Choir - Hope, is flying under the radar a little at the Fringe World Festival. This outstanding international act, feels more like a Perth Festival choice than a Fringe show, is a great choice for anyone that appreciates some brilliant singing.
The hour or so long show (warning - this started late and ran overtime) is outstanding throughout as the choir sing gospel, and protest songs from both the anti-apartheid era and the American civil rights era. The songs are sung in a number of South African native languages and in English, and although very few audience members will understand the words the music is powerful and the meaning apparent.
The choir, drawn from churches throughout Soweto, is comprised of two musicians (although choir members step in and play percussion as well), with 6 male and 9 female choristers. They are dressed fabulously and colourfully in traditional African dress. The choralography is superb, sometimes including dance, with the choir moving superbly and the sound is simply phenomenal.
The voices are without exception brilliant, and solos are shared through every member of the choir, showing a diversity of range and style that is impressive. The finale is simply divine.
The Rechabite seating is not known for its comfort, but the standard of this show means you will not notice. A beautiful and inspiring performance.
Kimberley Shaw
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