Spirituals

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The award-winning Cape Town Opera chorus presents Spirituals under the baton of musical director and pianist Marvin Kernelle. This diverse programme displays the chorus’ versatility in spiritual song, including South African and African-American repertoire. The powerful arrangements of classic and lesser-known music, including “Baba Yetu” and “Give Me Jesus”, is bound to captivate audiences and bring the joy and profound emotional impact of spirituals. 

In 2018 and 2019, Cape Town Opera’s chorus toured Europe with a programme of religious and sacred music called Grace Notes, which was performed to sold-out shows in Germany, Hungary, Austria and Cape Town. Inspired by that programme’s enormous popularity, CTO Chorus Master Marvin Kernelle compiled this showcase of uplifting African and African-American spirituals. Affording an opportunity to reflect on the current global crisis, it is an evening of soul-stirring music that celebrates the spirit of caring, resilience and joy that has buoyed humanity during a difficult year. ‘We wish this concert to be a reminder of the vital role music plays in healing our world,’ says Chorus Master Kernelle of the programme, which includes traditional songs such as ‘Muhona Makutu Tanga’ and ‘Mahlo A Bona’ and rich arrangements of "Elijah Rock’, ‘Ev’ry Time I Feel The Spirit’ and ‘Didn’t My Lawd Deliver Daniel?’ The chorus master reflects that the music, which forms a precious and rich part of African and American history, brings hope and reminds us of the pivotal role music plays in healing our world.