The "Harlem Angels" came from America to Vitebsk to help a mother of two children from the regional center

The "Harlem Gospel Choir", which many call the "Angels of Harlem", is unique in that it performs both in the most beautiful cathedrals in the world and in secular halls. The best voices of "black" America, selected 26 years ago by the famous producer Alan Bailey, perform blues, soul, funk, jazz, spirituals, as well as recognized world hits from the repertoire of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, "The Beatles" and others.

But the foundation of their repertoire is the joyful and uplifting gospel music (African-American hymns glorifying the Lord).

This genre emerged among the black population of America, based on long and soulful spiritual songs. Gospel singers differ from performers of Catholic or Orthodox sublime chants in their radical cheerfulness. Many are familiar with this infectious show from Hollywood movies. And the "Harlem Gospel Choir" is notable for its powerful energy and sense of humor. They captivate the audience from the first notes and do not let go until the final compositions!

The voices of these eleven performers are considered among the best not only in the USA but also in the world. They have performed in major halls in America, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, and other countries.

The legendary ensemble even performed at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II.

Now, for the first time, Belarusians are given the opportunity to see the choir live. In addition to Minsk, the capital with large concert venues, Vitebsk has unexpectedly benefited. All because "The Harlem Gospel Choir" is a goodwill ambassador, and a mandatory condition for the group's performances is charity. In Vitebsk, the voices of the "Angels of Harlem" are called upon to reach the hearts of listeners to help Lyudmila Shirman.

She is a believer from the parish of St. Anthony, a woman with a difficult fate. She has faced many trials: unsettled personal life, difficult relationship with her disabled father, unplanned pregnancy. But she refused an abortion, which was insisted upon by those around her, and gave birth to two wonderful twin boys, Pavel and Egor.

For a very short time, the mother lived with the babies in a room in one of the city dormitories. Soon, her father's illness worsened, and Lyudmila, along with her children, had to move to her parents' house to take care of the sick man, forgiving him all past grievances. She continued to care for her father until his death.

But when the twins were not even a year old, Lyudmila's legs began to hurt badly. Later, it turned out that she had coxarthrosis of the hip joint and spine, as well as osteoarthritis of the knee joints of grades I and II. Such a disease requires immediate treatment. A joint replacement surgery is needed, otherwise the disease will progress and immobilize the woman, who has already become disabled.

The surgery is expensive – 35 million rubles. With a pension of 700 thousand and occasional part-time jobs (when her health allows), this is completely impossible without outside help. In addition, during the surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, funds will be needed for living expenses and raising children. The gift of motherhood has cost Lyudmila dearly. But she doesn't regret it at all. Her boys are now three and a half years old, and at such a young age, they already help their mother as best they can. In the morning, for example, they put on her socks because the woman can no longer do it herself. Children are Lyudmila's greatest joy and hope. Looking at them, she loves and lives despite all the difficulties and tries to pass on her faith to her little ones.

To help them believe in a miracle and stay with their mother – this is why a world-renowned collective agreed to perform a Christmas concert in Vitebsk. All proceeds from ticket sales, after deducting the concert hall rental costs, will be transferred to a charitable account (transit account 3819382103002 – to account No. 000033 in branch No. 200/140 of the branch of OJSC

You can also participate in this Christmas concert.

Ekaterina Knyazeva, "Vitebskiye Vesti"