Lichfield Gospel Choir (LGC) brought a diverse programme full of colour and energy to Lichfield Cathedral, joined by the fabulous South African choral ensemble, the Imbube Singers.
LGC began as a series of workshops with the Birmingham based a cappella quintet Black Voices, as part of the Lichfield Festival in 2009. The project was so successful that a permanent choir was formed shortly afterwards under the leadership of Zambian-born Musical Director Themba Mvula. Zambian-Scottish Associate Musical Director Gabriella Liandu joined them in 2020.
Since their inception, the choir has grown from strength to strength, increasing their repertoire and range of performances across the region. Their programme includes songs in several African languages, rousing Gospel anthems and even a number by Primal Scream. Last year, LGC headlined at the prestigious Wigmore Hall in London where this concert with the Imbube singers, who are led by Luyanda Jezile, premiered.
Following the success of this fulfilling partnership, LGC decided to bring their uplifting blend of African, Gospel and soulful music home in celebration of their 15th year together.
Lichfield Cathedral proved a grand and fitting setting for their landmark concert and the reunion of this collaboration. A tiered stage was positioned on a raised platform in front of the West Door, ensuring that the 100-strong choir were well framed by incredible architecture, could be clearly seen by the audience and heard to best effect. Choir members wore black clothes which showcased their vivid scarves, printed in multi coloured African patterns in recognition of the origins of much of their musical programme. The Imbube Singers, dressed in striking traditional costume, brought a delightful vivaciousness with their impressive vocals, particularly from Prudence Jezile – and their spirited dance moves were an infectious invitation to audience members to dance in their seats and the aisles.
The opening piece was the stunning South African National Anthem, ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’, which has the same tune as the Zambian National Anthem and, as the concert date happened to be Zambian Independence Day (24 October), this gave the piece a special resonance. Humming the harmonies before singing the anthem itself gave a delicate vocal blend of such beauty and this highlighted the incredible quality of the choir. The Musical Directors continued to sensitively layer voices from the different sections throughout the evening, highlighting the tones and effect by giving each section the spotlight in turn.
As the concert progressed, the audience were introduced to the next song one by one – unusually there was no set list – because Themba Mvula prefers to choose pieces from the repertoire to weave a unique musical tapestry that matches the mood and flow of each evening – even the choir members do not know which song is coming next! With minimal backing via conga and African drums from Luyanda Jezile and the keyboards of Themba Mvula, the delicate vocals of LGC and the Imbube Singers were free to combine and shine on the gentle Zulu lullaby ‘Thula Mama’(meaning ‘Hush, Mother’), whilst the voices of LGC were also capable of expanding to fill the cathedral with a richness and vitality in their high energy Gospel choruses, such as ‘Over and Over’. The translations and explanations of the spirit of the songs to the different African cultures brought a fulfilling depth and meaning to the event.
Several talented LGC soloists led memorable pieces including Kate Slater improvising on the bluesy ‘Up Above my Head’, James Strong and Michael Bown on ‘Something Inside So Strong’ and Peter Bacon joyfully guided the choir on the South African song ‘Kwabona Kala’, which means ‘it has become clear, we shall be like him.’ And it was a real treat to hear the hauntingly beautiful duet of ‘Munda Uyo Tata’ (meaning, ‘Here I am, send me to work in the fields, Lord’) from Baritone Themba Mvula and Mezzo-Soprano Gabriella Liandu, accompanied by their own syncopated clapping.
In the final song, ‘Shosholoza’, the performers delivered such a powerful vocal and visual triumph, which was the perfect crescendo to end the evening with the Imbube Singers and LGC at their performing best and demonstrating the warmth and symbiotic harmony of their collaboration.
There was a real buzz in the audience following the performance which was not surprising following such a fabulous programme performed in an incredible setting. And having seen such a spectacle, it was no surprise to hear that when Themba Mvula and LGC were shortlisted for the 2021 Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration Award it was noted that, ‘..there is a captivating, infectious joy about them and a palpable sense of togetherness, belonging and purpose.’
One can only wonder what feast Lichfield Gospel Choir are going to serve us next….
Find out more at https://lichfieldgospelchoir.co.uk
All photos taken by Phil Barnes
