The joyful set was over all too quickly!
Members of the Lichfield Gospel Choir were honoured to be asked to appear on stage at the National Memorial Arboretum as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.
A dedicated audience sat through the showers as the choir showcased the diversity of their musical repertoire, led by Musical Director Themba Mvula and Associate Musical Director Gabriella Liandu.
They opened with the energetic Ingoma Zukholo, a spiritual song of faith sung in Zulu. Following this, they brought the sun out with the uplifting Gospel song Over and Over. Regular soloist Kate Slater layered gorgeous bluesy vocals in Up Above my Head, delivering its message of unwavering faith, whilst Em Neale and Phil Rawle made their debuts as soloists in the poignant Precious Lord.
The tempo and the weather lifted again during Revival by Gregory Porter, showcasing the choir’s vibrant performing style, which continued through Shosholoza, skilfully led by soloist Peter Bacon. This famous South African anthem is associated with migrant workers travelling on steam trains to work at the mines, and so the choir accompanied it with movement symbolising steam trains. It is impressive that this song is sung in a mix of Southern African Languages, primarily Ndebel and Zulu, with influences from Xhosa.
The joyful set was over all too quickly, with a superb version of Labi Siffre’s Something inside so Strong, featuring solos by James Strong and Michael Bown.
The anniversary event also included performances from other Midlands choirs, such as Pop Voices, as well as the incredible Black Voices, which has gained a reputation as Europe’s finest female a cappella quintet.In fact, it was following a workshop with Black Voices that the Lichfield Gospel Choir was first formed in 2010!
On performing at the Arboretum’s 25th Anniversary Event, Gabriella said:
It was a real privilege for the choir to sing at a venue that means so much to so many people, and performing alongside Black Voices is always such an honour. The choir love sharing their joy through music and you could really sense their energy and excitement through the day.
Themba added that the Gospel Choir “is such a wonderful group and they have become like a family to me”.
I’ve had some of my most exhilarating and uplifting musical moments leading them over the years, and they continue to enrich us.
The choir rehearses on a Tuesday evening in Lichfield, and there is currently space for tenors and basses.
Altos Anne Mapeley described being part of the choir as “joyful”, adding:
Any rehearsal or performance lifts the spirits and is a chance to share the joy of singing with everyone. I treasure the time spent singing with the choir.
Find out more at www.lichfieldgospelchoir.co.uk, or on Instagram.