Jubilation and a celebration of life.

That?s the promise the legendary Soweto Gospel Choir gives to its sold-out Bermuda audiences in advance of its four performances at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, the first of which opens tonight. In fact, so popular is this attraction that the Bermuda Festival has added an extra performance on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.

?We have received enormous support for the Soweto Gospel Choir, and we had not been able to meet the demand for tickets, so we are delighted to be able to offer this last-minute opportunity for the public to secure tickets to see this extraordinary and powerful group prior to their departure for the United States,? Bermuda Festival chairman Geoffrey Moore said.

This awe-inspiring vocal ensemble, featuring dancers, drummers and a dynamic four-piece band, will offer a feast of tribal, traditional and popular African gospel in a dynamic programme which enchants audiences wherever it appears. Indeed, its unique sound and sight, earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, ?a capella? and charismatic performances have earned it standing ovations and rave reviews everywhere.

Flawless, multi-lingual shows; technical precision, visual impact, inventive staging, glowing costumes and expressive hand and body movements are just some of the ingredients which help to make ?Blessed? such an unforgettable experience.

Under the direction of choirmaster David Mulovhedzi, the Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in 2002 and draws on the best talent from the many churches and communites in and around Soweto, South Africa. Its first tour was to Australia and New Zealand in 2003, but its profile in its native land was raised in 2003 when Nelson Mandela launched a worldwide campaign to raise awareness of the impact of AIDS on Africa. He invited the group to perform along with Bono, Que4n, Peter Gabriel, Jimmy Cliff and Annie Lennox to an audience of 26,000. The performance was broadcast around the world on MTV.

The Choir has completed extensive tours of the UK and North American tour in the past two years, and now it is Bermuda?s turn to join the celebration of their art.

Soweto Gospel Choir will perform tonight and tomorrow night at 8 p.m., and on Sunday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Doors will close five minutes before curtain time, and there will be no late admission until the interval.(