WITNESS: In the Spirit of Being Celebrates the Music of Africa
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts - Music Theater, Ordway Main Hall (345 Washington St. Saint Paul, MN 55102)
- Full Price:
- $40.00
- Our Price:
- $5.00 - $20.00*
Rich in musical sounds for voices and drums, VocalEssence opens this year's WITNESS concert with the music of South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon and Ghana. This wonderful combination of songs about work, praise and animals is sung in the dialects of Luo, Xhosa, Zulu, Kamba and Cameroon. Award-winning composer Hannibal Lokumbe (Dear Mrs. Parks, WITNESS 2007) returns to VocalEssence for this premiere of his ambitious new composition, In the Spirit of Being. Be part of a transformative journey as he lifts up your spirit and shows us all the miracle of life. Joining the VocalEssence Chorus and conductor Philip Brunelle will be the percussion ensemble from Macalester College and their director, Sowah Mensah. The opening procession of the concert will highlight the seldom-seen royal drums of Ghana.
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for WITNESS: In the Spirit of Being have expired.
The last date listed for WITNESS: In the Spirit of Being was Sunday February 19, 2012 / 4:00pm.
Ordway Main Hall,
345 Washington St.
Saint Paul,
MN
55102
Goldstar Member Tips
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Goldstar Member on What to Wear
Sorry, I meant to say NO jeans for sure...
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Goldstar Member on Other
St Paul has a major problem with parking!!!!!!!!!!!
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Goldstar Member on What to Wear
You'll want to dress up for the Ordway... Not totally formal, but jeans for sure.
12 Goldstar Member Reviews
Goldstar Member
This was just not my overall favorite performance. Having said that..there were exceptional moments from the choral ensemble that would rate as the best I have ever heard. The Zulu piece was also exceptional.Written on Feb 21 2012
The 2nd act with the so-called veils was disappointing...even though the female vocalist rocked, the bassist held it all together, the pianist was extraordinary, the drummer was on fire and the conductor and choir were magnificent...they were all checked by the limitations and uninspiring vision of the author and director. Further, I have "witnessed" better street performances by horn players and rap artists.then we saw on stage at the Ordway I know the Ordway wanted to experiment with this group, but as far as representing the best of Black Artists to commemorate this month, I am embarrassed for myself and all African Americans so poorly represented herein.
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SpinWeaver
This was spectacular and well worth every penny. The seats were perfect no obstructions what so ever. The sound was great and even the intermission was perfect. Saw a lot of individuals that I knew and they also thoroughly enjoyed this event. There were CDs available for purchase of the Rosa Parks event Mr. Hannibal did a few years back. This event was also recorded and will be available for purchase next year. Also Tonia Hughes sang her heart out. All around wonderful event and I will come back to see him whenever he returns.Written on Feb 24 2012
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This event was not what I expected at all. This was my own misunderstanding, no one's fault but my own. I expected an African experience with Africans, not less than 5% black people on stage.Written on Feb 21 2012
Hannibal Lokumbe was AMAZING!! He's such a free spirit with so much talent! Tonia Hughes was a great soloist, also, singing with smooth soul.
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Goldstar Member
It was an amazing performance - I wanted everyone who lives in the Twin Cities to see it. The combination of Jazz and Classical was breathtaking. VocalEssence rose to the difficult choral work - the three Jazzmen - the pianist - bassist and drummer were amazing. Since I love piano - I probably loved his work the best. The vocalist - Tonia Hughes was superb - how this all came together is beyond my musical knowledge - I haven't been this moved since I saw "The Gospel at Colonus" I would pay for and see it again if it were offered.Written on Feb 21 2012
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More Information About WITNESS: In the Spirit of Being
Website
http://www.vocalessence.org/witness2012
Description
Tonia Hughes, soloist Ramsey School, Performing Arts Magnet Children's Choir Jazz Quartet featuring Hannibal Lokumbe, trumpet Macalester College Percussion Ensemble, Sowah Mensah, director VocalEssence Chorus Philip Brunelle, conductor
About the Ticket Supplier: VocalEssence
VocalEssence champions choral music of all genres, celebrating the vocal experience through innovative concerts, commissions, and community engagement programs.