THE Windhoek-based Maranatha Singers will lead audiences into the spirit of Easter with their performance of the Marcellinus Swartbooi Passion Collection.
This is a commissioned work completed in January 2007 and premiered by Maranatha Singers in the same year. The work is based on scriptures from the Bible depicting the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
Marcellinus Swartbooi needs no introduction in choral music, both locally and internationally, as his authentic compositions of especially Khoekhoegowab songs are most adored by choirs performing them. He established himself as composer of note with his travelling quartet, simply called Exhibit A, having performed at 11 major cities around the world in the last two years.
His traditional Khoekhoegowab songs are currently performed by choirs in America, Germany and Canada where his songs are in great demand at workshops presenting culturally inspired Namibian songs.
Asking him what his main inspiration was behind this extraordinary Easter composition, he humbly explained that the work was composed at a time when he was struggling with religious issues in his personal life. Hearing the music in his head and writing it down brought him a great deal of peace and acceptance on what one has to deal with as a Christian.
The Easter concert programme will be supplemented in the first half with Psalms also composed by Swartbooi.
The Easter concerts by the Maranatha Singers will take place on Saturday 28 March at NG Moedergemeente next to the Old State House at 19h00 and on Sunday, 29 March at Stephanus Kirche, Klein-Windhoek at 18h00.
Entry to these performances will be N$50 for adults and N$20 for students (upon proof of student registration) and children. Adult tickets are available in advance or at the door. Students and children pay at the door. CDs and DVDs of the choir’s past projects will be available for sale.
For more information or related queries, contact Joe Besser at 0813122804 or Sony van Wyk at 0812599801.
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