MIAC Welcomes the Award-Winning Soweto Gospel Choir to Erie, PA
The multi-Grammy® and Emmy Award®-winning SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR returns to North America with its concert entitled “PEACE,” a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals, and some classics like “Man in the Mirror” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The inspirational concert will also feature the spirited music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen, and more.
The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture is thrilled to present the choir on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices range from $25-$50 and are on sale now at miac.mercyhurst.edu and 814-824-3000.
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). Heralded by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey, the choir excites audiences worldwide, uplifting the soul and spreading joy through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes, and infectious spirit. It’s perfect for the entire family!
The SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR has collaborated and performed with Peter Gabriel, U2, John Legend, Robert Plant, Chance the Rapper, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Pharrell Williams, and many more. They have performed in prestigious venues across the globe including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall London, and Nelson Mandela Theatre. Further, they have performed at such important events as 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 kick-off in Johannesburg), 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, and a plethora of TV personalities, celebrities, glitteraties, dignitaries, ambassadors, movie stars, and rock stars. The SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR has also appeared on NBC’s Today Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
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.
Tickets, priced $25-$50, can be purchased online at miac.universitytickets.com, over the phone at 814-824-3000, or in person at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office (Tues.-Thurs., noon-5 p.m.). Each order is subject to a $5 per ticket processing fee, regardless of purchase or payment method.
This performance is presented with generous support from Knox Law. The 2025-26 MIAC Live season is sponsored by Alan & Patti Schaal and VNET, with additional support from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality.