English professional trumpeter Dan Newell plays ‘Amazing Grace’ on the platform at ‘It’s Time Pretoria’. Angus Buchan listens raptly. (LISTEN TO NEWELL PLAYING AMAZING GRACE BELOW).
The sweet sound of God’s grace filled the air at It’s Time Pretoria on Saturday as accomplished British trumpeter Dan Newell played Amazing Grace from the platform.
There was an awed hush over the grounds as Newell, who plays for the Royal Opera House, London Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra, trumpeted the hymn composed 240 years ago by slave ship captain-turned clergyman, John Newton.
“Once more, please Sir,” said Angus Buchan, who was at Newell’s side, after he had played a verse which was both soothing and a stirring call to do battle in prayer.
Buchan previously told Gateway News that he met Newell, who is married to a South African, three years ago at Heathrow Airport. Newell played his trumpet at the Sacred Assembly, a mass prayer gathering at the FNB Stadium at Soweto in 2016.
He got onto a plane last Friday night and arrived in South Africa on time to play at It’s Time at Rhino Park Airfield early on Saturday afternoon. That evening he boarded a plane for London where he was scheduled to play in an event on Sunday.
“Do you know that this young man paid is own way to be here. We have no money to give him. He’s come here because he loves Jesus and he loves you,” said Buchan after Newell finished playing for the second time.