Press Release

September 29, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 29, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Brian Passey | [email protected] | 480-874-4626

Soweto Gospel Choir and Vienna Boys Choir to Bring Global Vocals to Scottsdale

Soweto Gospel Choir and Vienna Boys Choir will both perform this fall at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Soweto Gospel Choir photo by Stephen Garnett. Vienna Boys Choir photos by Lukas Beck.

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Soweto Gospel Choir and Vienna Boys Choir will bring the best vocal music from around the world to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts this fall.

Direct from South Africa, Soweto Gospel Choir is an awe-inspiring 20-member ensemble that thrills audiences worldwide. Through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes and infectious spirit, a Soweto Gospel Choir performance truly uplifts the soul.

“We are thrilled to have Soweto Gospel Choir back since they were last here in 2014. It’s been too long!” said Abbey Messmer, programming director for the center. “I’m truly touched by this group — their contagious energy and vocal vibrancy — and I’m especially looking forward to their program about civil rights.”

The spectacular, three-time Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir is returning to North America with “HOPE – It’s Been A Long Time Coming,” a show that celebrates American and South African artists associated with the struggles for civil rights and social justice throughout their countries’ complex histories. Expect to hear South African freedom songs alongside the music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Mahlia Jackson and others, combined with traditional African gospel music and spirituals.

Soweta Gospel Choir will perform in Scottsdale on Oct. 25. A few weeks later, on Nov. 15, Vienna Boys Choir will appear at the center.

With more than 100 members, The Vienna Boys Choir has delighted music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and diverse repertoire, which includes everything from medieval to contemporary to experimental music.

The Vienna Boys Choir can trace its history as far back as the 13th century, but it was formally established at Vienna’s Imperial Chapel in 1498 by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Today’s Vienna Boys Choir comprises talented young singers from all over the world, including boys from Austria, Cambodia, China, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States.

“Vienna Boys will be a real treat, and I’m so happy we were able to reschedule them after the pandemic canceled their concert in 2020,” Messmer said. “Since the concert is close to holidays, they have agreed to add some special holiday songs to their already fabulous program.”

The Soweto Gospel Choir performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, Arizona. Tickets are $28 to $68. The Vienna Boys Choir concert is at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at the center. Visit ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/events or call Scottsdale Arts Guest Services at 480-499-TKTS (8587) for more information.

Scottsdale Arts is continually striving to increase our accessibility offerings to provide enriching arts opportunities for everyone in the community. For more information about services we offer, please visit ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/visit/accessibility.