"I feel like I'm home again," South African choir visits Minnesota

After a 2018 trip to South Africa, the Minnesota Chorale welcomes the Gauteng Choristers for a series of concerts. 
Photos by Leila Navidi
November 14, 2019 — 9:06am

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Members of the Minnesota Chorale waited to greet the Gauteng Choristers at MSP Airport.

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Thulisile Ntetha, right, of the Gauteng Choristers was greeted by Maya Tester of the Minnesota Chorale, her host for the week, at MSP Airport.

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Maya Tester of the Minnesota Chorale brought warm coats for her guests, including Xolile Dyani of the Gauteng Choristers, at MSP Airport when they arrived.

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The Gauteng Choristers performed during Sunday service at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis.

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Gauteng Choristers soprano Cecilia Phetoe led the large choral group in the dance moves for the concert's exit song.

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Gauteng Choristers warmed up with members of the Minnesota Chorale and 29:11 before a rehearsal with Minnesota Orchestra.

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The full chorus, comprised of members of the Gauteng Choristers, Minnesota Chorale and 29:11, rehearsed Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem with the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall.

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Members of the Gauteng Choristers kept their coats and hats on indoors while visiting Mall of America. From left is Mandla Zulu, Patrick Lekala and Molemohi Tjemolane.

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Members of the Gauteng Choristers marveled at an indoor roller coaster at Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America. From right is Saba Mbane, Puseletso Motaung, and Lerato Letlape, center in blue coat.

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Members of the Gauteng Choristers performed an impromptu concert at the Mall of America's Culinary of North food court area.

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Members of the Gauteng Choristers performed an impromptu concert at the Mall of America's Culinary of North food court area.

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The full chorus, comprised of members of the Gauteng Choristers, Minnesota Chorale and 29:11 rehearsed Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem with the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall.

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The full chorus, comprised of members of the Gauteng Choristers, Minnesota Chorale and 29:11 rehearsed Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem with the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall.

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Xolile Dyani of the Gauteng Choristers ran outside to enjoy the snowfall.

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Gauteng Chorister members Mduduzi Ntetha, from left, Xolile Dyani and Thulisile Ntetha got their photo taken by host Maya Tester in the snow.

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Gauteng Chorister Mduduzi Ntetha, from left, gets a hug from fellow South African singer and soloist Goitsemang Lehobye as he and his wife Thulisile Ntetha, right, hung out with the Tester family before dinner.

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Maya Tester took a group photo of the dinner table filled with Gauteng Choristers guests, her family and friends.

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Xolile Dyani, center, of the Gauteng Choristers hugged Angie Gewerth, a friend of the Tester family, before dinner at Maya Tester's home.

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