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Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

There is a remarkable symphony orchestra and chorus in the Congo, one of the poorest countries in the world. A story about this remarkable ensemble aired on CBS 60 Minutes on April 20, 2014. Everyone commutes to rehearsal, 6 days a week. Some trek, through rough terrain and inhospitable conditions, 90 minutes each way to rehearse. What kept them going? The MUSIC! Some quotes from the broadcast:

“When Sylvia plays her violin, she says she left the planet.”

“Their faces change when they do their music.”

“I joined the orchestra Nov. 8, 2013, it is like a birth of symphony orchestra, a date we cannot forget.”

If you didn’t get a chance to see it Sunday night, click here to watch it. It’s worth your time.