Berks Youth Chorus has announced that South African performance troupe Thula Sizwe will bring the songs and dances of Zulu culture to Berks County. On March 1st at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Shillington, BYC staff will facilitate a workshop for music educators and a community sing with the ten-man group, followed by a full-length concert performed by the ensemble.
Hailing from Soshanguve, South Africa, Thula Sizwe is a celebrated group of vocalists and dancers who keep the historic musical traditions of Zulu warriors alive on the world stage. Thula Sizwe has performed at high-profile events since its founding in 1984—including Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration—and toured globally, from the United States to Thailand to Hungary. The group has been an international ambassador of South African culture and musical traditions for over 40 years.
A collaboration with Pittsburgh Youth Chorus (PYC) and the Bach Choir of Bethlehem has made the day’s events possible. “Thula Sizwe was forged in the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa, embodying the power of music as a force for joy and connection in the face of adversity,” said Lee Saville-Iksic, PYC’s Executive Artistic Director.
“We are excited to bring our community opportunities to learn from this dynamic ensemble whose backgrounds are very different from our own,” added Sam Barge, BYC’s Executive and Artistic Director. “Adults and children alike will learn lifelong lessons from Thula Sizwe and their message of unfailing hope and unity.”
Berks County’s premier youth chorus, BYC is a choral and music education organization with a strong focus on community, friendship, and music performance. The organization prepares young singers to serve as community leaders and contribute to a world that is inspired by and connected through music. Its programming includes choirs for singers in grades 3 through 12 and artistic collaborations with high-caliber musicians from Berks County and beyond.
On Saturday, March 1 at Immanuel UCC in Shillington, the day begins with a workshop for music educators, which is the first of many events that day that will provide educators with Act 48 continuing education hours.
At 1pm, BYC and Thula Sizwe will host a Community Sing, which is open to adults and youth grades 6 and up, for only $5. At 3pm, Thula Sizwe will perform a full-length concert open to the public. Tickets are free with a suggested donation of at least $10.
Thula Sizwe’s regional tour, which is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, will include stops in Pittsburgh, Williamsport, Lewisburg, Reading, Trenton and Princeton, hosting performances and collaborating with music educators from a variety of communities.
BYC is honored to host the visit by this internationally acclaimed ensemble. All event details and registration may be found at berksyouthchorus.org/thula-sizwe.