An Inspiring Story of the Only Symphony Orchestra in Central Africa
Did you know that the only symphony orchestra in Central Africa is
located in the capital of the Congo – a war-torn country plagued by
poverty and despair?
“Joy in the Congo” seems an unlikely
title for a story from the Congo, considering the searing poverty and
brutal civil war that have decimated that country. Yet in Kinshasa, the
capital city, we heard about an unforgettable symphony orchestra — 200
singers and instrumentalists defying the poverty, hardship, and
struggles of life in the world’s poorest country…and creating some of
the most moving music we have ever heard. Follow Bob Simon to the Congo
to hear the sounds and stories of the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra.
This video tells the amazing story of
the Symphonic Orchestra Kimbanguiste, revealing the difficult
circumstances under which these musicians labor: they come from all over
the city; most travel on foot to get to rehearsals six days a week; and
the bulk of the instruments have been donated, salvaged and repaired or
purchased from second-hand shops. Despite all of these difficulties,
the orchestra manages to make the most beautiful music: listen to Johann
Strauss’s The Blue Danube Waltz (An der schönen blauen Donau).
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