African Childrens Choir Bring Their Voices To Jorgensen 3/29

Experience the beauty, talent and exuberance of the African Children's Choir as they bring their effervescent music to Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, March 29 at 2 pm. "These are talented kids, but not so overly drilled that they have lost their raw charm or sense of excitement...In fact, it's difficult to say who is having more fun - the choir or the audience" cheers The Scotsman.

For over two decades, the Choir has spread hope and joy around the world. The 26 children, ages seven to eleven, sing with boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. Their program blends songs in more than ten languages and unique cultural dances from across Africa, with gospel and contemporary favorites, proving that that music can, indeed, triumph over tragedy. "They sing like angels," said Diane Sawyer of ABC's Good Morning America.

Following the brutal reign of Uganda's Idi Amin that left hundreds of thousands of children orphaned and starving, the African Children's Choir (ACC) was born. The singing of one small child inspired Ray Barnett and his team of volunteers to recruit the first Choir from among these desperate youngsters. The nonprofit group now helps thousands of young children orphaned by poverty, war, famine or AIDS, to provide a better future for themselves, while raising funds for other children in their communities. Their mission was, and still is, to show the world that Africa's most vulnerable children have beauty, dignity and unlimited ability.

Each year an entirely new ensemble is formed, as previous members return home to an ACC-funded education. Many go on to universities; others receive vocational and technical training, developing the skills they need to lead productive, fulfilling lives. They often work with relief organizations, bringing the Choir's vision full-circle.

The African Children's Choir has performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, for the Nelson Mandela Concert in South Africa, on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, American Idol and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, for Kofi Annan at the UN General Assembly Hall, and with Mariah Carey and Sir Paul McCartney
at Live 8.

Gospel City.com lauded its songs of strength and survival, tales of hope, and celebration the people, culture and joy of Africa. The Deseret News praised the Choir's "hand-clapping rhythm and toe-tapping beat...an endeavor infused with hope that is changing the world one song and dance at a time."

Jorgensen is located at 2132 Hillside Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs. Tickets are $30 and $28; some discounts apply. For tickets and information, call (860) 486-4226, or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Free parking is available across the street in the North Garage.

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