African Children’s Choir Receives Standing Ovation In Marathon

Written by admin on 08 November 2010

A very energetic performance by the African Children's Choir in Marathon, Ontario. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

African Children's Choir performs in Marathon, Ontario. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

*See video below of performance and interview with Kari, Media Rep African Chidlren’s Choir.

MARATHON, ON – Wednesday evening, November 3rd Marathon residents assembled at St.John’s United Church for a very special performance which can only be described as incredibly moving and inspirational. The African Children’s Choir, performing a mix of English and traditional African worship hymns paired with their enthusiastic dance, had those in attendance clapping along and eager to give when donations baskets made their rounds.

The first African Children’s Choir was founded nearly 30 years ago, touring North America for the first time in 1984 just one year later, the first children’s home is purchased at Makerere in Kampala, Uganda funded by the proceeds of the first Choir’s tour. Since that time subsequent choirs have been formed through the same organization touring around the world including in the United Kingdom, Holland and in Australia where they performed with Queensland Youth Symphony at the Queensland Music Festival in 2007. 2007 was also the year they performed on American Idol both with Josh Groban and in the Season 6 Finale performing one of their African songs. In 2008, the choir performed for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at Commonwealth Day in London, England.

Many famous people have supported the Choir in various ways over the years, Chantal Kreviazuk said this of her experience with the choir

“Being with the children from the Choir took me directly to their homeland, their hearts, their reality… it was as though God was in the room, like He was reassuring us all that this cause was so real, so right, so critical. My heart will always be with these children, and all of the children of Africa who have come to face such adversity. It has been such an honour to become acquainted with both these children, and the very organization itself.”

[cincopa AYIA0X627srU] These sentiments were reiterated by those at the Marathon performance. After the show, those who opened their homes for the children and their chaperones were breifed on being billots to such important young performers. There would be no candy or pop as these have the potential to make the children who are not used to such foods ill, hosts were brought up to speed on cultural differences to ensure the experience would be positive for both them and the Choir members.

Through the work of these children, schools and homes have been built, hundreds of students have received education and daily nutritious meals,

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