Ko-Thi Dancers and Master Singers of Milwaukee
Saturday, March 6, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

Voices, drums and African dance combine in a unique concert experience for audiences on Saturday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Master Singers of Milwaukee and Ko-Thi African Dance come together for a performance of Missa Luba, a Catholic Mass in the Congolese style for tenor soloist, chorus and percussion. In this unprecedented collaboration, Ko-Thi Dance founding Artistic Director Ferne Yangyeitie Caulker will create original choreography for Ko-Thi dancers to perform during the Mass movements.

Missa Luba captures the style of performance developed by a Catholic priest, Fr. Guido Haazen, working with a choir of men and boys in the Congo in the early 1960's. Energetic drumming propels every movement of the 15-minute work. Although the musical arrangement is thoroughly notated, much improvisation is required from the chorus and percussionists.

Ko-Thi Dance will offer several shorter selections without chorus, and the Master Singers will offer a segment of a cappella music for choir without the dances and drums, so the evening will be well-rounded and diverse. The choir's selections include “Glory Hallelujah,” an up-tempo Gospel-style work by Milwaukee composer Wallace Cheatham. Music by Bobby McFerrin and other traditional African works complete the musical selections. Tickets are for general seating. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (55+) and $10 for students, and may be purchased online at www.HamiltonFineArtsCenter.com or on Wednesday's from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.  For more information about Master Singers of Milwaukee, view the website at www.mastersingersofmilwaukee.org.