22 Mar 2016

The stage is set, an orchestra band sits prepared to render melodious sets through percussions, strings, brasses, saxophones, keyboards and harps.

People are trickling in at the Maitisong Auditorium in anticipation of a great Easter Musical Celebration night and the band doing the honours of nailing the entrance march is none other than Hope Easter Chorus & Orchestra with their rendition of Nearer My God To Thee.

Right after the National Anthem is belted out to start the proceedings for the evening, men and women of the cloth also take turns to present the words and tell the story of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

They tell the congregation that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is hope for all. 

The Hope Easter Chorus & Orchestra does most of the singing as they have a lot of musical items and they leave the audience asking for more as they dish out songs such as Boitshwarelo Jwa Modimo, Sala Le Nna and Morekolodi Wame.

The first session comes as a remembrance of Good Friday, when Jesus hanged on the cross and artists also take part to sing songs that reflect the burden that Jesus Christ carried on the cross to redeem the sins of the world.

They sing Busetsa Tsotlhe by Adjoa Madiabaso while Ricardo Baori renders the song Pula Tsa Lehlohonolo with so much passion. 

After the remembrance of Jesus on the cross of calvary, the event takes yet another twist, as it celebrates the Lord’s resurrection and songs such as You Raise Me Up by Royal Tenors and Lyon’s Se Teng Sediba are relevant.

Malebogo Kagiso also takes the audience to yet another level with the rendition of Thixo Bawo and Tshenolo Batshogile also does a musical piece titled I Know That My Redeemer Liveth.  

The show was organised by Tsholofelo Foundation and Botswana Television, and it is an annual event on its fifth year, held a few weeks before Easter to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The primary objectives of the show, among others, are to mobilise members of the community to come together and through Easter music celebrate the hope that comes with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and promote love and tolerance amongst Christians from different denominations.

The project is geared towards assisting the youth from disadvantaged communities and providing them with tuition for orchestral music and to also develop their self-confidence, self-discipline and leadership skills. Ends