The spectacular performances of the 2015 August Choral Festival at the National Centre for the Performing Arts have reached their halfway point. Over the next week or so, performing groups including the National Chamber Choir of Ireland, the Ladysmith Black Mambazo from South Africa, and the China National Symphony Orchestra Youth and Women's Choir will take the stage to "sing of life" through simple and beautiful melodies.
In 1987, Irish composer and director Michael McGlynn founded the National Chamber Choir of Ireland in Dublin, focusing primarily on performing ancient Irish songs. Over its 28-year history, the choir has not only become a national treasure of Ireland but has also recorded music for "Riverdance," winning a Grammy Award. On August 21, the National Chamber Choir of Ireland will present a choral concert titled "Return of the King." They will also perform "Ode to Joy," which is hailed as one of the "three great ancient Irish songs." The Ladysmith Black Mambazo from South Africa will showcase the infinite charm of "original African sounds" to the audience. On August 22, the Ladysmith Black Mambazo will make their debut at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, performing numerous classic works such as "Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain" and "Amazing Grace."