Review: Soweto Gospel Choir has audience dancing in the aisles

They were singing and dancing in the aisles at the end of this superb concert.

The Soweto Gospel Choir is on its tenth anniversary tour, bringing a wonderful sense of joy, musicality and energy to its audiences.

It was a shame that the Butterworth Hall was only half full, for those who stayed away missed a treat. The choir has performed with many famous stars and in front of presidents. Their repertoire included traditional African songs, well loved gospel tunes such as Oh Happy Day, negro spirituals like Swing Low Sweet Chariot and their own version of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water.

They needed a minimal of backing music, mostly drums, to perform their songs which were complemented by the rhythm of their movements. The 22 choir members, dressed in bright colourful costumes swaying and dancing across the stage, created a brilliant spectacle to accompany their rich voices.

It was a memorable experience.

Peter Gawthorpe