The Congo, one of the world's poorest and most war-torn countries, is also home to a little known orchestra. Located in the capital, Kinshasa, The Kimbanguiste Symphony Orchestra is the only orchestra in central Africa and the only all-black orchestra in the world. It is made up of about 200 instrumentals and vocalists who have never been outside of the city.
Armand Diangienda, a former airline pilot, started the orchestra from almost nothing, having no musicians, instruments, or people who could read music. Because of this, Armand taught himself how to read music and to play the piano, cello, trombone, and guitar. Though people laughed at him and said "here in the Congo, classical music puts people to sleep," he pressed on and managed to convince some of the members of his church to join him. It got to the point where they had twice as many willing participants as they did instruments. Eventually, more instruments came in, either through donations or being purchased as local thrift shops and helped to make the orchestra what it is today. Below is the video from 60 Minutes. It's really incredible to see the power of music and the joy that it brings, no matter where we may live. (video below, for more go HERE to see works by Beethoven, Handel, Orff, and more!)
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