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South African Ensemble Soweto Gospel Choir Returns to the Annenberg Center to Share South Africa’S Rich Musical Heritage with Philadelphia Audiences

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South African Ensemble Soweto Gospel Choir Returns to the Annenberg Center to Share South Africa’S Rich Musical Heritage with Philadelphia Audiences January 7, 2010 South African ensemble Soweto Gospel Choir returns to the Annenberg Center to share South Africa’s rich musical heritage with Philadelphia audiences Performance will include a mix of African gospel, traditional hymns and contemporary pop songs (Philadelphia, January 7, 2010) — The Grammy® award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir of South Africa triumphantly return to the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, January 30, 2010 after enjoying a sold-out Philadelphia debut at the Center four years ago. One of the most celebrated world music groups performing today, this dynamic 27-member choir combines rich harmonies, colorful costumes and energetic dancing to perform their personal and unique mix of traditional African gospel and contemporary music. Tickets for the performance are $20-$55. For tickets or for more information, please visit www.AnnenbergCenter.org or call 215.898.3900. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Annenberg Center Box Office. This is the first performance of the 09/10 African Roots series, which also features performances by internationally renowned guitarist and singer Habib Koité and Bamada on March 14, 2010 and Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Choir on April 30, 2010. Drawing on the best talent from the churches and communities in and around Soweto, South Africa, the Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in 2002 and has spent the last seven years transforming the world music scene and spreading South Africa’s rich musical heritage to sold-out audiences worldwide. The ensemble has reached the Top Ten of Billboards World Music Charts and garnered two Grammy® Awards in the category Best Traditional World Music for the album Blessed and the follow up album African Spirit. They have had the honor of performing with internationally renowned recording artists such as Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Bono of U2 and Peter Gabriel and have recorded with Robert Plant, Josh Groban and Peter Gabriel. The choir has sung for Oprah Winfrey, President Bill Clinton, and former South African President Nelson Mandela and performed on NBC’s “Today Show” and the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” as well as ABC’s “Good Morning America.” – more – Page 2 Soweto Gospel Choir of South Africa at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts In 2009, the choir collaborated with Peter Gabriel for the song “Down to Earth” for the blockbuster movie Wall-E, which won a 2009 Grammy® Award in the Best Movie Song category. They performed the song with artist John Legend at the 81st annual Academy® Awards, where it was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Song category. This performance was the first by an artist from South Africa at the award show. The Soweto Gospel Choir remains steadfast to their mission of providing support to South Africa’s sick and impoverished. In 2003, the choir founded its own AIDS orphans foundation, Nkosi’s Haven Vukani. To date, the choir has collected over $4 million for their foundation, which provides support to families and organizations that receive little or no government support or private funding. In addition to their own charity, the choir is a proud Ambassador for 46665, Nelson Mandela’s AIDS awareness initiative. Pre-Show Enhancement Events All ticket holders are invited to join Carol Muller, professor of music at the University of Pennsylvania for a special pre-show chat beginning at 7:00 PM in the Annenberg Center lobby. Professor Muller will be joined by two members of the Soweto Gospel Choir. Immediately following the pre-show chat, members of Musica Mundi (“Music of the World”) will perform a selection of songs from around the world, including pieces from South Africa and Nigeria. This 25-member all girl choir is made up of select students in grades 5 – 8 from the Springside School in Chestnut Hill, PA. The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts The University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has been the region's leading multi-disciplinary performance venue for Theatre, Dance, Jazz, World Music, New Music and children’s programming since its inception in 1971. The Annenberg Center’s curatorial vision emphasizes four primary values: artistic integrity, cultural diversity, curatorial balance and a willingness to take risks. By presenting world renowned and cutting edge artists and companies who express adventuresome perspectives on contemporary issues, timeless ideas and diverse cultures, the Annenberg Center promotes critical thinking and dialogue among its audiences, creating a uniquely rewarding arts experience. The Annenberg Center has achieved national recognition for its outstanding Dance Celebration series (presented in partnership with Philadelphia's Dance Affiliates), touring theatre series, and for its superior offerings for children, including both its Student Discovery Series and the acclaimed 25-year- old Philadelphia International Children’s Festival, the oldest festival of its kind in the United States. Through generous grants from the Wallace Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Annenberg Center also showcases its commitment to local artists each year through its By Local series. – more – Soweto Gospel Choir of South Africa at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Page 3 Throughout its history, the Annenberg Center has presented innovative and critically-acclaimed theatre productions with some of the biggest stars of stage and screen including Liv Ullmann and Sam Waterston in A Doll's House, A Streetcar Named Desire with Glenn Close, Jessica Tandy in Beckett's Not I, and Tennessee Williams' Sweet Bird of Youth with Irene Worth and Christopher Walken. Noteworthy Broadway producer and director Harold Prince (a University of Pennsylvania alumnus) and Joseph Papp staged many of their plays at the Annenberg Center before taking them to Broadway. As part of the Dance Celebration series, a broad range of world-class and emerging dancers and companies have appeared at the Annenberg Center each season including the Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, MOMIX, Parsons Dance Company, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor and Alvin Ailey. SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR Saturday, January 30 at 8:00 PM Zellerbach Theatre at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Back by popular demand after its 2006 Philadelphia debut! Hailing from South Africa and praised for its performances with artists such as Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Peter Gabriel and Queen, the Grammy® award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir is an awe-inspiring vocal ensemble, performing in eight different languages, in an exuberant program of tribal, traditional and popular African gospel. Earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, and charismatic a capella performances combine to uplift the soul and express South Africa’s great hopes for the future. Media support for this performance provided by the Philadelphia Tribune and WDAS FM. Pre-Show Chat – Carol Muller, professor of music, University of Pennsylvania, with members of the Soweto Gospel Choir. 7:00 PM. Tickets: $20-$55. For more information please call 215.898.3900 or visit www.AnnenbergCenter.org For further press information or to set up interviews, please contact: Lauren Saul, Marketing and Communications Manager phone: 215.573.8537; email: [email protected] # # # .
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