About us
The Joyful Voice Gospel Choir was formed in Krakow in March 2002. Aleksandra Slawik, a graduate of Katowice Music Academy, is the founder and conductor. After only one month of intensive work, the choir gave their first concert. In the beginning the accompaniment consisted of only a piano but now the instrumental team includes three musicians.
The choir’s professionalism and cooperation make it possible for their performances to include complicated songs with interesting arrangements. Their songs are performed mainly in English, which is a challenge. However a more significant challenge is to successfully prepare polyphonic songs, including solos performed by various members of the choir. As a result of music workshops, the choir is continually developing their repertoire and improving their vocal skills. Joyful Voice has also attended special workshops led by various conductors, trainers, composers and famous gospel soloists such as Cleas Weneger, Ruth Lynch and Norris Garner.
Being a part of this choir provides opportunities to shape one’s talent and is a wonderful vocal workshop. Joyful Voice has preformed over 100 concerts at various locations in Poland and abroad. Apart from that, membership teaches team work, cooperation, responsibility and it stimulates the development of personal skills. There are opportunities to design posters and fliers, create internet websites and work with and edit digital video. The choir members are not only joined together in work, but also develop great friendships. They spend their free time together simply enjoying each other’s company, and also meet together to pray - realizing that the most important aspect of singing Gospel music is why and for Whom they sing.
In February of 2003 the choir’s name was agreed upon by all of the members as it best portrays the choir’s message. Gospel music is derived from religious songs of Afro-American slaves and is filled with spiritual meaning. The songs range from very dynamic and energetic to very calm such as hymns or Psalms. The word Gospel means “Good News” and this music contains the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The goal of the Choir is to spread the Gospel, to share personal experiences of life with Christ and to testify about choosing to live a life of faith. Gospel music contains the joyful message of Jesus and His work of salvation. Every concert is filled with an incredible atmosphere of energy and joy emanating from the choir.
“Our choral works touch the heart, because each choir member repeats the words of the songs in prayer. When we
sing, we touch the sky – listen to us and let’s touch the sky together.”
- Aleksandra Slawik
