“font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;”>The Songs of Africa Ensemble, a multicultural vocal ensemble, will perform two upcoming concerts: a Kwanzaa Celebration, taking place 7 p.m. Friday, December 30 at Trinity Presbyterian Church,
Ave., and as
a featured artist at the First Night St. Louis celebration
at Xavier College Church
“font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;”>, at the corner of Grand and Lindell, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The Songs of Africa Ensemble both entertains and educates audiences by singing a repertoire of songs in African languages from St. Louis-based composer Fred Onovwersuoke’s new choral collection, Songs of Africa, published by Oxford University Press.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The songs address topics ranging from spirituality, religion, community, work to play. The group engages audiences to move, clap and sing along to a performer-audience interaction that often recreates scenes from traditional African musical contexts.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The Songs of Africa Ensemble has been featured in performances at the MUNY, the Educational Concert Series at the Sheldon Concert Hall, the Festival of Nations, the St. Louis Art Fair, Jefferson College’s Diversity of Africa Festival, Principia College’s Pan African Conference, and the St. Louis Holiday Magic at America’s Center.Â
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Tickets for the Kwanzaa Celebration are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children 12 and under are free; call 314-652-6800.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Admissions buttons for the First Night St. Louis can be purchased in advance at any Dierberg’s or Borders, and at select Schnuck’s locations for $8 (adults) and $4 children (ages 6 – 12) or at the event for $10 (adults) and $5 children (ages 6 – 12). Children 5 and under are free.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>For more information, visit www.africarts.org or by call 314-652-6800.Â
