Instead of our usual rehearsal on July 3, 2019, we all decided as a choir to go to St Just and go to a performance at St Just Miners Chapel. We went to hear the amazing Langa Methodist Choir from Cape Town, South Africa – fresh from their triumphant set at Glastonbury where they had been invited to perform by Michael Eavis.
However what we could never have expected was that we would be invited by the Langa Choir to open the second half of the concert and also sing in front of perhaps our largest ever audience (may be around 650 people), and in front of Mr Eavis himself!
We had an amazing evening and around 75 of us from both Levow an Bys and our sister choir, Dawn Chorus went along. As well as a pre-sing in the WI Hall, we also sang outside the Chapel as people arrived and also sang with Langa members at a Shout at The Commercial after the concert. It most certainly was a Big Night out in St Just! A once in a lifetime experience never to be forgotten.
Here’s what Pip Wright, our Musical Director, had to say afterwards:
“What an honour to be invited to sing in the interval of the amazing Langa Methodist Choir concert at St Just … and what unbridled joy to sing with them late into the evening at the Commercial … deep connection and true soul music.
I’m still pinching myself atop cloud 9 … not to mention feeling overjoyed that the Langa choir not only recognised the South African songs we attempt but were delighted to sing (and dance!) them with us.
Marsi – the conductor told me he was slipping off to rest but we’d just sing Senzenina together … and an hour later there he was singing and dancing his and our hearts out!
Bravo one and all … David James said we moved people to tears with our singing in the chapel and inviting everyone to sing. I’ve been told by a few people that the Pastor from Langa in the front row just mouthed ‘Wow!’ as we started to sing in Xhosa. I felt so proud of each and everyone of you, the open-heartedness with which we sing and what we manage together – whether you sang outside as people arrived, in the performance … or in the pub. 3 cheers for our wonderful, warm, welcoming singing community.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the last minute arrangements possible … to Jos, Sonia and the Lab committee, Tony for the initial tip-off … and everyone for just being up for it. Tony has just forwarded me this recording of the Langa Methodist Church Choir’s first song – the National Anthem of the Republic of South Africa … I dare you not to get goosebumps!
I feel like the luckiest choir leader alive to sing with you all and share such joy …
x Pip (and no, I didn’t ask Michael Eavis if we could go to Glastonbury … 😉
Levow an Bys 
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