This October, two different Hylton Presents performances highlight the beauty of the human experience in unique and inspiring ways. The Soweto Gospel Choir (10/3) embodies joyful expression with its uplifting voices. The imaginative modern dance company Pilobolus (10/5) explores humanity with grace and physical artistry in its performance Other Worlds. A live performance from the Soweto Gospel Choir is simply an ecstatic joy. The group was founded in 2002 and has amassed multiple Grammy Awards and countless albums. The ensemble originated in Soweto, South Africa, the birthplace of the country’s democratic movement’s struggle for freedom. Embodying that legacy, their performance includes a mix of South African freedom songs and traditional spirituals mixed in with the spirited music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen, and more.
"Audiences can expect an inspirational show with high energetic performance and great sounds of South African music and powerful voices that inspire and build you. Plus, exceptional drumming and dancing!" said Vincent Jiyane, choir master of the Soweto Gospel Choir. "We named this tour PEACE because we believe the world needs to be together with people loving each other in the name of peace."
Following the Soweto Gospel Choir that same weekend is Pilobolus. For more than 50 years, Pilobolus has been testing the limits of human physicality to explore the beauty and power of connected bodies.
“When we create new work or revisit classic pieces, it moves beyond dance—it is world-building,” said Renée Jaworski, Pilobolus’ executive/co-artistic director. “Each world embodies its own environment, history, feel, and meaning. The inhabitants of each world sometimes express athleticism, sharpness, and physical presence, or conversely delicacy, softness, and grace. Other Worlds is truly a microcosm of the greater Pilobolus universe—exciting and awe-inspiring, with a little bit of something for everyone.”
Witness the power of music and dance with the Soweto Gospel Choir (10/3) and Pilobolus (10/5).