Lights, orchestra, Amapiano, powerhouse vocals… and action! The Montecasino Teatro in Johannesburg became the ultimate stage this past weekend as the Red Bull Symphonic Orchestra Choir took center stage during this year’s Red Bull Symphonic Orchestra Experience, a sold-out, genre-defining spectacle.
The choir, led by the dynamic Rorisang Sechele, was the perfect harmonic cherry on top of a breathtaking performance. Fusing the raw energy of Amapiano with the classical elegance of a live orchestra, Kelvin Momo, Adam Howard, Egoli Symphonic Orchestra, and the choir delivered a 3-day show that blurred the lines between street-born rhythm and symphonic, sonic grandeur.
“Being part of this has been a life-changing experience. This is my second time, and I am incredibly honored to have been invited to showcase another aspect of my craft as an all-round musician,” said Rorisang Sechele, Vocal Music Director and Soprano of the Red Bull Symphonic Orchestra Choir.
Under the leadership of Sechele through her music and arts development platform, African Orchid Productions, the eight-piece choir featured two sopranos, two altos, two tenors and two basses. Audiences might have recognized Ermelo-born tenor uSmokolo and bass Rashaka Mbevhana(affectionately known as Shakes), of the acclaimed vocal group Just 6, who are also returning choir members. Jazz-rooted Josie Matabola also returned to the choir as a soulful alto.
Following the release of her debut album, In Full Bloom – The Seed, a blend of jazz, neo-soul, and gospel influences, earlier this year, and a subsequent feature on Spotify’s prestigious Jazz NXTplaylist, Sechele’s presence at the helm only solidifies her rising star status. Her triumph at this year’s event comes just ahead of her much-anticipated performance at Kids Love Jazz on 14 June at The Playground in Braamfontein.
For more information on Rorisang Sechele and African Orchid Productions, follow @rorisangsecheleon Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
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