In recognition of their dedication to musical excellence, Algoa Music Ministry has been invited to perform at Mary McDonald’s This is Christmas concert in New York.
The invitation to perform on the world stage in New York is a dream come true for the Algoa Music Ministry from the Eastern Cape.
The concert, on 28 November, forms part of the Distinguished Concerts in the New York Concert Series (DCINY) taking place at the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall.
The event will celebrate the retirement of renowned US composer, Mary McDonald.
However, due to financial constraints, the choir, which consists of more than 50 choristers, needs financial assistance to meet their goal.
Algoa Ministries Choir represents 29 churches from the Eastern Cape, with a total of 110 choir members aged from 17 to 76, of which only half will be travelling to New York.
Choir conductor, Venita van Wyk, who is responsible for music development in the Algoa Ministry churches across the Eastern Cape, explained how the opportunity came about.
“When DCINY sent me the email, they informed us that they had picked up on our work,” she shared.
“A well-known Christian composer is retiring in New York at the end of the year, and we happened to perform one of her pieces on social media.
“This is how we were noticed and invited to the event in New York. They invited me to be part of the end-of-year concert in honour of Mary McDonald and wanted me to identify choristers to be part of this event.”
The choir will be part of a global mixed choir performing the cantata, This is Christmas, which has been composed by Mary McDonald for this event.
Whilst in New York, the choir will have two separate performances at local churches as part of their outreach and fellowship programme.
“We will perform some Christmas music and traditional pieces, as well as Afrikaans music,” said Van Wyk.
“We have a few South Africans in the USA looking forward to hearing some congregational hymns, and the young choristers have committed themselves to performing My Jesus Ek min U as their highlight piece.”
They will be performing in New York from 28-30 November and will take a few days to explore the city.
“We need to leave by 26 November, and the cost per person is R50,000,” said Van Wyk. “It is very daunting and our biggest challenge.”
Each member has been tasked with raising half of their own fees.
“We ask members to come up with R25,000 each, and then we raise the rest.”
The fundraising efforts for flights, accommodation, meals, entrance fees and spending money still have a long way to go, with a shortfall of R600,000.
“It is challenging for us. We need to give the members time to raise their own funds, but we have a shortfall of R600,000,” Van Wyk shared.
Choir members have been working tirelessly with various fundraising initiatives.
“They are working hard and are very excited,” Van Wyk shared.
“Going to America, for the majority of the choir, will be their first time travelling abroad.”
The opportunity represents not only a chance to perform at one of the world’s most prestigious venues but also a celebration of South African musical talent on the international stage.
For more information, contact Venita Van Wyk at VenitavW@saou.co.za
