The Glorious Mudsingers, one of Australia’s most exciting a cappella gospel choirs, will join forces with Auckland’s Heaven Bent and One Voice choirs on 14 July for an evening that promises ‘hellishly good’ gospel and high energy world music.
The Glorious Mudsingers, who hail from the Milton Ulladulla District (MUD) of New South Wales, have sung to sell-out shows around Australia, raising money for charity from each performance. On this, their first-ever New Zealand tour, money raised at the Auckland concert in Ponsonby will go to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.
The “Muddies” describe themselves as a secular choir whose shared ‘religion’ is singing – connecting with each other and with the wider community through song. They are looking forward to meeting their host choir Heaven Bent, the long-established Auckland a cappella choir which has similar origins as a non-religious community-based group sharing their love of gospel music drawn from African and African-American roots, plus their own special blend of Maori and Pacific music.
One Voice, another acclaimed Auckland community choir whose name represents the unity that comes from sharing the joy of singing, will present a selection of world music from their wide repertoire, adding instrumental accompaniment to some of their songs to bring new colour to established favourites.
“This promises to be an absolutely must-see concert for anyone who enjoys the rhythms and harmonies of the foot-stomping gospel, soul and world music traditions,” says Heaven Bent musical director, Phil May. “It is a rare treat to liven up a winter’s evening with great music and a great cause to show our Southern friends that we haven’t forgotten them.”
When: 8pm Saturday 14 July
Where: All Saints Anglican Church
284 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland (Three Lamps End.
