Andante Chorus celebrates 10 years anniversary in style
The Andante Chorus celebrated its 10th anniversary in style by hosting a Gala Dinner graced by President Mokgweetsi Masisi together and First Lady Neo Masisi.
It was a really a beautiful night at the Travel Lodge on Saturday when Andante Chorus celebrated their milestone as unit over the past 10 years.
Everyone on the night really looked dazzling and it had a serene feeling where everyone just let their hair down and enjoyed the melodies by the Andante Chorus throughout the dinner. Andante Chorus is a locally-based outfit, which was first established in Ramotswa on March 18, 2012. Andante Chorus has seen it all in its 10 years of existence. They have also won prestigious prizes together and one remarkable story that the group lives to tell is the one that the chorus in its first inception immediately joined the President’s Choral Music competitions. The group came out victorious scooping the pinnacle position in the Gaborone region and went on to do the very same thing at the Final competitions.
The Minister of Energy and Minerals, who is also the founding chairman, Lefoko Moagi explained that the choir never looked back and continued to do its best to push further. They achieved more as years went by including being part of the inauguration of President Masisi in 2019, Southern African Customs Union 6th Heads of States summit, Sir Seretse Khama Day celebrations and many more.
Speaking at the dinner, Michelle Polokelo revealed that it was only fit for Andante to celebrate this huge milestone that they have walked together. She also said it is not easy for everyone that makes a success out of working with a large number of people but the Andante Chorus made it possible hence why they celebrated their 10 years anniversary in style. “It is a common practice that such milestones are celebrated and not just celebrated but also remembered in a way that their memories remain top of mind and resonate through the years,” she said.
Polokelo further revealed that celebrating 10 years of existence does not mean that they believe that they have made it and it is now time to relax and outlined the strategic plans of the choir from here going forward. She said the choir plans to redefine the modern economy based on creative arts in support of the president’s Reset Agenda and help the youth get off the streets and get employment.
Andante plans to also liaise with international bodies to help their choir members to get the exposure they need to make success out of their singing. Polokelo went on to reveal that Andante Chorus is already in talks with Oprah House music in Europe and South Africa.
One other strategy of Andante is that it intends on building a music hub for music enthusiasts here in Botswana together with the help of the government and other choirs in the country, and also Andante Chorus plans to enhance cultural tourism and economic exuberance through their talent.
President Masisi said what Andante Chorus has done is beyond remarkable as they have come against all odds and reached the stage where they are now. He also said it is really a great pleasure for him to witness this.
“It gives me an enormous pleasure to be around you,” he said. Masisi continued to pledge that the government intends to continue to support the creative industry as the arts stands a great chance of playing a great role in the economy of Botswana as the government has prioritised arts and culture as a vehicle to improve the economy of Botswana.