Uplifting Songs of Africa

TUE 22 JUL 2014

West Sussex Music and Ardingly College came together for an ambitious community project to celebrate the ArtsFest. More than 500 people from 21 Sussex choirs and schools were joined by VOCES8, the college’s ensemble in residence, to perform Zimbe! Sing the Songs of Africa, accompanied by the Call Me Al Jazz Quintet.

Zimbe! – Alexander L’Estrane’s vibrant composition – captures the music and rhythms of a range of African folk song and jazz music in a 40-minute cantata.

Dress in colourful t-shirts of yellow, orange and red the enthusiastic choir sang, swayed and clapped their hands in an uplifting performance of the joyous music.

Emily Barden, West Sussex Music curriculum lead for choirs and voice said ‘Zimbe was an astonishing and really rewarding project to be part of. Conducting a choir of 700+ was a personal best for me, and something I will remember for a very long time! Combining children’s choirs, County Youth Choir, Community Choirs, a professional choir and musicians really is the essence of what I believe West Sussex Music is all about –high quality musical experiences for all’

Child of Brian Dallimore said ‘I didn’t enjoy it, I LOVED it… can we do it again?’
Click here to read our other testimonials