The Jubilant Voices of the Three-Time Grammy Award-Winning Soweto Gospel Choir Comes to the MAC Nov. 8

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. – The McAninch Arts Center (MAC), located at 425 Fawell Blvd., hosts the three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8 p.m. Heralded by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey, the choir has entertained audiences worldwide, uplifting the soul and spreading joy through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes, and infectious spirit. “This show resonates with the joy of connection and the spirit of hope in humanity,” says The Upside News; and Stage Whispers says, “The voices are without exception brilliant…impressive. The finale is simply divine.”

The MAC performance will be the exclusive Illinois engagement of the choir’s 2025 “Peace” North America tour. The inspirational, family-friendly program will feature South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and classics like “Man in the Mirror” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” It will also include the spirited music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and more.

Formed in 2002, the Soweto Gospel Choir was created to celebrate the unique power of African gospel music and quickly established itself as a group that is “undeniably synchronized, appears unshakable, and simultaneously expresses universality and individuality” (San Francisco Classical Voice). North West End UK says, “ Soweto Gospel choir is synonymous with energetic magnetism that has you glued to your seats from the first note.”

The choir has collaborated and performed with Peter Gabriel, U2, John Legend, Robert Plant, Chance the Rapper, Celine Dion, Diana Ross and Pharrell Williams, among others. They have performed in prestigious venues around the world including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall London and Nelson Mandela Theatre. They have performed at important events including the 2009 Academy Awards, Nelson Mandela’s memorial service in Westminster Abbey, centenary celebrations, Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s funeral (as well as his 75th and 80th birthdays), the FIFA 2009 World Cup opening ceremony in Cape Town and Winnie Madikileza-Mandela’s memorial service.

In addition to Nelson Mandela and their once patron Desmond Tutu, they have performed before Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty Queen Camilla, Prince Harry, Princess Charlene of Monaco, plus TV personalities, celebrities, dignitaries, movie stars and rock stars.

The Soweto Gospel Choir has been nominated for five Grammys, an Oscar (with Peter Gabriel), six South African Music Awards (SAMAs), as well as an International Reggae and World Music Award. They have been awarded three Grammys in their own right and three associated ones, an Emmy Award, three SAMAs, two American Gospel Awards, the inaugural Tower Music African Gospel Award for best gospel group, and a Helpmann Award.

McAninch Arts Center is located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage, presents the Soweto Gospel Choir, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $55-$69. For tickets or additional information, call 630.942.4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org. Box Office hours are Tuesday – Saturday, noon – 6 p.m. and three hours prior to the performance For more information, call 630.942.4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org. WDCB is the Media Sponsor for this event.