WATCH: Jatniel congregation to host historic event

For the first time, Jatniël Gemeente in Benoni is opening its doors to people of all denominations for the exciting Sing, Benoni, Sing concert presented by East Rand Youth Orchestra (ERYO).

The concert will be held on March 12 at 15:00 in celebration of Easter.

Jatniël is a local Christian congregation of Latter Rain Mission International. The church is an architectural masterpiece, a never-before-seen building that has a 3 500-seat hall with incredible facilities and sound.

For the ERYO concert, numbers are restricted to 1 000.

The church was established in 1927. They will be celebrating their 95th birthday in November.

The church president, Bert Peters, said: “This is the first time a symphony orchestra is performing in the church, hosting singers from different churches and denominations. We feel blessed and honoured that people from all denominations will come together for a praise and worship concert. Previously, we have accommodated other churches and denominations. Gospel singer Retief Burger has held his concert in our hall.”

Peters said the reason they built this impressive church was so that it could host its annual international conference.

“We serve and have 153 congregations in 18 different countries from Jatniël, the international headquarters to the Latter Rain Mission International,” said Peters

According to ERYO conductor Pienaar Fourie, they are excited to be part of the first orchestra to perform at the church.

“We are thrilled that the concert will also be streamed live to churches of the Latter Rain Mission International all over the world. After two years of meagre and restricted concerts, we are happy this will be our biggest concert following the hard lockdown,” Fourie said.

Attendees can look forward to an emotional religious experience. There will be communal praise and worship, with talented soloists and instrumentalists leading the singing. He added the concert will have no interval as it aims to provoke emotions throughout the entire religious concert.

Uplifting songs guests can look forward to including Holy City, Jesus Loves Me, Benedictus and Nearer, My God.

Fourie started the orchestra in 1978 and has continued to work with young people from all over East Rand for the past 44 years.

“The orchestra comprises 40 members who know how to play all kinds of musical instruments. We practice every Saturday morning at St Dunstan’s College.”

His interest in music began when he was eight years old, after being influenced by his father, who was involved in the music industry. Besides leading the orchestra, the 72-year-old also teaches violin for extra income.

Tickets can be bought at www.webtickets.co.za at R50 per person.

Also Read: Enjoy East Rand Youth Orchestra’s Easter celebration

Also Read: What’s On in and around Benoni

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