The Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town is collaborating with The Phenomenal Opera Voices to bring you a South African Choral Concert at Groote Kerk on Sunday 6 August at 3pm. With a South African theme in mind, The Philharmonia Choir will be performing the San Gloria by Péter Louis van Dijk, and Prayers and Dances of Praise from Africa by Peter Klatzow, conducted by Richard Haigh. Both Péter Louis van Dijk and Peter Klatzow are internationally renowned South African composers. The San Gloria is an innovative and impressive work for choir, organ and chamber orchestra. It is known for its powerful juxtaposition of ancient Latin texts with the colourful sound of the Khoi-San culture, thereby promising a unique experience for each and all. For Prayers and Dances of Praise from Africa, Klatzow took the words from a prayer in An African Prayer book compiled by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and set them to music. The piece was commissioned by the South African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) and first performed in 1996. The third movement is a prayer from Ghana, Cover me with the Night: Come, Lord, and cover me with the night. Spread your grace over us As you assured us you would do. Your promises are more than all the stars in the sky; your mercy is deeper than the night. Lord, it will be cold. The night comes with its breath of death. Night comes; the end comes; you come. Lord, we wait for you day and night. —from an African Prayer Book, Desmond Tutu (editor) The Phenomenal Opera Voices conducted by Lunga Hallam will perform a variety of traditional African songs including Emvekhaya, Thina Siyagiya, Ndandenze toni kubazali, Kumnandukwethembu Jesu, Ndikhokhele bawo, Sasihamba Sisobabini and Unongqawuse. Phenomenal Opera Voices was established in 2008 by Lunga Hallam. Lunga together with fellow ex-students from Luhlaza High School in Khayelitsha enjoyed singing throughout their school careers. Lunga and the Luhlaza choir have represented the Western Cape in various provinces throughout South Africa at Eisteddfods and choir festivals. The project consists of 33 members, all of whom are Khayelitsha residents. Phenomenal Opera Voices have a collection of young stars aged from 14 to 27 who are all serious opera lovers. Their repertoire includes extracts from Handel’s Messiah, Don Giovanni, Cossi fan Tutte, the Marriage of Figaro and many more well-loved opera pieces. Tickets are R120 each, and seating is unreserved.