FOSAPA Presents South Africa Sings: A Tour of Eastern Canada by the Polokwane Choral Society FOSAPA: CANADIAN CHARITY FORMED TO BRING TO CANADIANS THE BEST OF SOUTH AFRICAN PERFORMING ARTS "After years of isolation, we strongly encourage efforts to project the best of South African music and culture in Canada. We have such a wealth of talented people who have never had the chance to perform on the world stage. Consequently we welcome the formation of FOSAPA and consider your initiative to be an important contribution to the promotion abroad of South Africa's rich cultural life." - Her Excellency Theresa Solomon, High Commissioner of South Africa in Canada The June 2004 Canadian visit of the Polokwane Choral Society from South Africa marks the inaugural tour of the Canadian charitable organization Friends of South African Performing Arts (FOSAPA). FOSAPA was founded in 2003 by a small group of Canadians who have a deep love for South Africa's rich cultural heritage, particularly the performing arts, and a strong desire to share it with Canadian audiences. Its 20-concert tour of the prize-winning Polokwane Choral Society from South Africa's northern Limpopo province offers a special opportunity for cultural and educational interaction. FOSAPA has deliberately planned the tour to bring together diverse communities in large urban centres and expose smaller communities to music rarely, if ever, heard live. Choir members will be billeted locally, allowing the singers and their hosts to share in day-to-day living. Such a cultural experience is bound to have a lasting impact upon all involved. FOSAPA realized the need for performers, teachers, choral directors, music students and the general public to have a chance to participate and gain appreciation of South African music through a number of workshops that Polokwane will offer during its tour. These workshops will offer a robust and vibrant contribution to Canada's already dynamic choral tradition. This tour involves a unique partnership between FOSAPA, Polokwane and local Canadian communities that are presenting the concerts and hosting the choir. In some cases, other Canadian charities focusing on African issues are also involved. For instance, ticket revenue will be shared with the Beads of Hope Campaign in support of HIV-AIDS relief and the Noella Project for fostering African refugees. South Africa has been in the forefront of the media for its struggles against AIDS, poverty and violence. And yet, South Africa boasts one of the richest musical cultures in the world. The Polokwane Choral Society is an able ambassador of that culture and spreads a message of joy and hope through its music. FOSAPA is proud to give the choir and its message a Canadian forum. DONATIONS Tax-receiptable donations are most welcome to help FOSAPA continue to bring South African traditional performing artists to Canada. Donations by credit card and Interac can be made online using the charity's web site, www.fosapa.ca. Or cheques may be made out to FOSAPA, and mailed to FOSAPA, P.O. Box 2430, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2S3. Donations may also be made at the actual concerts and workshops. For further information (media only), contact: Linda Litwack 416-782-7837 e-mail: lalitwack@rogers.com or Audrey Conroy e-mail: fosapa@ns.sympatico.ca visit www.fosapa.ca N.B. THESE CONTACTS ARE FOR MEDIA ONLY. For all other queries, please call local phone numbers listed on Polokowne's Tour to Canada May, 2004