Malawi choir to give concert

BUCHANAN — The First Presbyterian Church of Buchanan will host a concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 featuring the Malawi Association Choir.

The program will consist of a range of music, including traditional Malawian gospel songs and folk hymns.

Proceeds from the event will be donated for mission work in the African nation.

According to choir mistress Nelli Namwali, the FPC Malawi Association Choir is composed of native Malawians now living in Michiana, many of whom attend the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend and the houses of worship of other denominations in the area.

Music forms a large part of the culture of Malawi, a small but densely populated country in southeastern Africa, between Tanzania and Mozambique. The concert offers a unique opportunity to hear the strong melodies and harmony of traditional Malawian music.

The choir formed in South Bend as a way for transplanted Malawians to keep in touch with their culture. The choir aims at bringing awareness of Malawi and Mission opportunities to the Michiana community. Supporting the choir is a well-known Indiana-based Malawi Gospel recording artist, Allan Ngumuya.

The church, 115 W. Front St., will host a reception on its grounds after the concert. A suggested donation of $5 at the door will help cover the event’s costs.