KINSHASA: In Kinshasa, home of the swaying Congolese rumba, 200 people at a local church have succeeded in creating a concert hall orchestra to bring Handel, Beethoven and Mozart to the heart of Africa.

They are a motley mix of dressmakers and shopkeepers, pupils and students, hairdressers and civil servants, all part of an orchestra that tackles great works from Western classical tradition.

In their black suits and satin gowns, they have been playing to increasing acclaim since they were formed 16 years ago.