Children’s choir evoking the rhythms of Africa in Ormskirk
THE internationally-acclaimed Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir bring their UK Tour to The Arts Centre, Edge Hill University on Saturday, October 21.
With an evocative mix of traditional Ugandan songs, their high-octane music, dance and drumming containing infectious rhythms and enthusiastic vocals will see you dancing in your seat!
These orphaned and/or destitute children are ambassadors for more than 2,000 children and the funds they raise support nine schools, 12 children’s homes and a clinic back home in Uganda.
At the start of each year hundreds of children from Molly and Paul Foundation schools audition for the Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir during Enrichment Week.
Within the schools there are many talented children but selection is not just based on talent. Everyone has to also show a commitment to their academic studies as choir training takes place after their normal school day.
Members of the choir are aged seven years upwards and after being selected for the choir the members live, train and attend school together for nearly eight months before they arrive in the UK.
As well as singing, members of the choir dance and many of them are also accomplished musicians, drummers and composers.
During the tour their mixture of traditional African singing and dancing, mixed with their vibrant personalities and colourful costumes excite and entertain audiences across the country.
The choir is led by ex-member Gloria who works with the singers to compose many of the songs heard during the tour.
Each September until early December, the choir tours the UK performing in schools, churches and performance venues.
The choir visits different schools during the day to provide workshops in African singing, drumming, dancing and craft-making.
Evenings and weekends are spent in local venues and indoor performance spaces where African crafts are on sale to further help reach the fundraising target of £2,000 each day.
Tickets are free, but please ensure you book your ticket in advance online or via the box office.
Donations are welcomed on the night and merchandise will also be on sale.
Other local performances are: October 17 – Formby High School; 19 – The Civic, Ormskirk; 20 – Deyes High School, Maghull; 23 – Ormskirk School, West Lancs and 24 – St John the Baptist Church, Burscough.
For more information go to www. pearlofafrica.org.uk/choir and to book go to: www.edgehill.ac.uk/events