A Mandela Portrait Concert staged around the world

A Mandela Portrait is a musical evocation of an era that celebrates the life of Nelson Mandela and South African heritage. It combines excerpts from some of Nelson Mandela's most famous speeches, collected and arranged by South African director and playwright Welcome Msomi, and a musical score by South African composer Michael Hankinson.

The production will also be presented in Washington DC, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Austria, Ghana, Berlin, Tokyo and Beijing. Musicians and narrators will change from country to country, and where appropriate the script will be translated, demonstrating that Nelson Mandela, although South African, is a hero and role model for the entire world.

Strong belief can break shackles

"In this production Michael and I have tried to portray the resilience and indomitable spirit that defied all odds to prove to the nation, and the world, that strong belief in your ideals can break down the stubborn walls and shackles of apartheid and free millions of South African citizens, enabling them to taste the fruits of true freedom, without hatred or bitterness," says Msomi.

The Georgia concert will be held as a benefit concert for the Nelson Mandela Foundation. It will feature The Atlanta University Centre Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hankinson, and narrators Welcome Msomi and Gugu Msomi. Guest artists will include Ayanda Nhlangothi and Andre van Rooyen, The Americolor Opera Alliance and the Glee Club of Spelman College.

It is Msomi's vision to make A Mandela Portrait available across the globe. "This requires the participation of sponsors and partners, and we are currently in the process of identifying these," says Msomi.