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By Mabel Pais
“If I could bottle your energy, I’d drink it every day,”–
Simon Cowell, Co-Judge, America’s Got Talent
The NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR from Limpopo, South Africa will perform at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC – mayoarts.org) in Morristown, NJ on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Since its inception in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of the world’s most treasured groups. Their unique musical arrangements, powerhouse vocals, irresistibly combined with mesmerizing choreography and infectious energy have inspired millions across the globe.
An eleven-year journey has seen an after-school program for orphaned and vulnerable children, started by the Ndlovu Care Group, transform into an international recording and touring career. Participation does not only instill values of togetherness, a work ethic and a sense of responsibility, but it develops self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership.
Through the choir, choristers gain a global perspective that offers an early pathway to artistic and professional achievement. The choir uses their talents to share their inspirational story with the world through song and dance.
The choir’s repertoire is an exciting mix of traditional South African genres with pop, rock, jazz, and electronic dance music (EDM). Their intention to create a fresh and original sound is evident in their ability to take internationally well-known songs — Toto’s “Africa,” Kygo’s “Higher Love,” U2’s “Beautiful Day,” and Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” — and move them into an exciting new territory.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir’s incredible run on America’s Got Talent (AGT) (Season 14 made them the first choir in the history of either America’s Got Talent or Britain’s Got Talent to reach the final). Their soul-stirring performances won hearts and minds around the world. After their final “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) performance, legendary music producer and record executive Simon Cowell labeled the performance “The best finale I have ever sat on in my life.” He went on to sign the choir, and together with SYCO (Syco Entertainment comprising formerly Syco Music, Syco Television and Syco Film, a British media entertainment and production company, headquartered in London, founded and owned by British entrepreneur and record executive Simon Cowell, one of four judges on “America’s Got Talent” that has been active from 2016 to present.
Since AGT, the choir has undertaken two European tours, sold out every public performance and performed on numerous local and international television and radio shows. Performance highlights include a performance to over 115,000 people in Cape Town and The Match in Africa which featured Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Bill Gates and Trevor Noah.
During the Coronavirus crisis the choir joined many of the world’s top A-list performers on a virtual stage where they were featured during the “Global Citizens One World: Together at Home” virtual concert.
As the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s meteoric rise continues, they strive to push the creative boundaries of song and dance to reach and touch audiences of all ages across the globe. Their high energy performances have not only thrilled audiences around the world, but have shared a message of hope, love and togetherness. Learn more about Ndlovu’s Youth Choir @ https://choir.africa.
Watch a preview of the choir’s performances @ https://youtu.be/khiYjrtDlwM.
TICKETS & VENUE POLICIES
For tickets to the performance and venue policies, visit mayoarts.org/tickets/ticketing-and-venue-policies.
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IRELAND’S “RIVERDANCE” OF GLOBAL FAME NOW BRINGS TO NEW JERSEY “RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION”
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By Mabel Pais
“RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION,” the rejuvenation of the much-loved original show will welcome “The New Generation” of performers at the Morristown Performing Arts Center (MPAC – mayoarts.org) for 5 performances from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, 2026 (see program below for schedule details).
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Friday, March 6 at 8 pm
Saturday, March 7 at 2 pm and 8 pm
Sunday, March 8 at 1 pm and 6:30 pm
“Riverdance 30 – The New Generation” rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time, Riverdance will welcome “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago!
Get a preview of the North American tour of Riverdance – https://youtu.be/3YrNFMMwxII
John McColgan, Director of “Riverdance” said “It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of “Riverdance” and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots. On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming ‘The New Generation’ of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made Riverdance a worldwide celebration of music and dance.”
Since “Riverdance” first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established “Riverdance” as a global cultural sensation.
“Riverdance The Animated Adventure” was released on Netflix in the United States on January 14, 2022, where it swiftly landed a spot on the streamer’s Global Top 10 list. With an original score by Grammy Award-winning composer Bill Whelan, the animated musical comedy features the incredible craft and skill of the “Riverdance” troupe by utilizing motion capture of their performances to create the animated dancing in the film. Tour lead dancers Maggie Darlington and Anna Mai Fitzpatrick and Executive Producer/Director Padraic Moyles were involved with the dance production for the film, while tour musicians Mark Alfred and Tara Howley play on the film score.
ORIGIN
“Riverdance” began its journey as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, produced for television by Moya Doherty. This electrifying and innovative seven-minute dance piece was then developed into a full-length stage show by Producer Moya Doherty, Composer Bill Whelan and Director John McColgan. With its fusion of Irish and International music and dance, the show broke all box office records during its world première run in Dublin in early 1995. When the show transferred to London the reaction was unprecedented. There followed a hugely successful tour starting in New York in March 1996, where 8 sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall heralded the start of more than two decades of touring by Riverdance companies throughout North America. Since its inception, Riverdance has packed theatres throughout North America, Oceania, Asia, Europe, South Africa and South America.
RIVERDANCE – THE NEW GENERATION
“Riverdance 30 – The New Generation” is designed by lead designer Peter Canning, featuring sets by Alan Farquharson, lighting by Andrew Voller and video by Cosmo AV along with costumes by Joan Bergin and sound by Michael O’Gorman.
Connect with Riverdance
For more information on Riverdance 30, visit riverdance.com.
Facebook: @Riverdance
Twitter: @Riverdance
Instagram: @Riverdance
TikTok: @Riverdance
TICKETS & VENUE POLICIES
For tickets to the performance and venue policies, visit mayoarts.org/tickets/ticketing-and-venue-policies.
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Education, Business, Spirituality, Health and Wellness, and Cuisine.
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