DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR NOËL TOUR 2024 KICKS OFF WITH SOLD-OUT CONCERT IN ESWATINI
20 November 2024
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 20 NOVEMBER 2024 – The wait is over and the highly anticipated Drakensberg Boys Choir Noël Tour 2024 is about to kick-off tomorrow evening (21 November) with a spectacular, sold-out performance at House on Fire in Eswatini. Due to overwhelming demand, the venue has even had to arrange additional seating and tickets, ensuring no one misses this magical evening of world-class music by South Africa’s singing ambassadors of hope, the Drakensberg Boys Choir.
"We are overwhelmed by the incredible response to our opening concert," says Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS). "Following a very successful UK tour earlier this year, the boys are ready to bring their polished, soul-stirring performances to Southern Africa. "The Noël Tour is a long-standing highlight of our year in its 42nd year. The enthusiasm of our Eswatini audience sets the tone for what promises to be a phenomenal series of concerts that will continue on to Gauteng and the Free State."
Running from 21 November to 1 December, this beloved annual tour brings the unforgettable sounds of the Drakensberg Boys Choir to audiences in Eswatini, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Vereeniging, and Sasolburg. This year's tour promises to delight audiences with a rich programme that blends classical choral works, and timeless Christmas carols with some Afropop highlights at two concerts.
2024 NOËL TOUR SCHEDULE
- House on Fire, Eswatini – Thursday, 21 November, 19:00 sold out
- Musaion Theatre, Pretoria – Saturday, 23 November, 19:00
- Moreleta Kerk, Pretoria – Sunday, 24 November, 17:00 (in collaboration with Elvis Blue)
- Rosebank Union Church, Johannesburg – Tuesday, 26 November, 19:00 (first half Noël programme, second half Afropop)
- NG Kerk Weltevreden, Johannesburg – Thursday, November 28, 19:00
- Delta Community Church, Vereeniging – Friday, 29 November, 19:00
- HeronBridge College, Fourways, Johannesburg – Saturday, 30 November, 18:00
- Etienne Rousseau Theatre, Sasolburg – Sunday, December 1, 15:00
Tickets are now available for all concerts at http://www.dbchoir.com. The choir's popularity encourages audiences to book early to secure seats.
"This year's repertoire celebrates music's power to inspire and connect. It's not just a concert series; it's a celebration of community, tradition, and the transformative power of music," says Vaughan van Zyl, Artistic Director of DBCS. "This sold-out opening night sets the tone for what promises to be a spectacular tour. The boys have worked tirelessly to deliver a programme that inspires joy and connection, and we are thrilled to see such enthusiasm from our audiences."
The 2024 Noël Tour offers a versatile line-up for all ages and tastes. From the elegance of Mozart's Regina Coeli, to festive classics like O Holy Night, and the vibrant sounds of Miriam Makeba and Johnny Clegg work at the Rosebank Union Church concert, this year's programme will surely uplift and inspire. "The Noël Tour reflects the diversity of our choir's musicality," says Van Zyl. "We want our audiences to experience the joy, hope, and wonder that music can bring, especially during the Festive Season."
The Noël Tour tradition is a testament to DBCS's commitment to musical excellence and education. "The Noël Tour embodies the essence of what the Drakensberg Boys Choir stands for – excellence in music and a message of hope," says Bekker. "Our boys are not just performers; they are ambassadors of resilience and compassion, using their talent to bring joy to audiences worldwide. Music is not just what we do – Music is our Ministry. Through music, we develop boys of character, resilience, and compassion, preparing them to be leaders in all areas of life," he adds.
Founded in 1967, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School prepares boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, sports, and social enrichment within a Christian environment. The school welcomes boys from diverse backgrounds, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and community. Attending this world-class choir school is often a life-long dream fulfilled for many talented boys. The blessing of talent does not only come to boys from families who can self-fund their children's unique schooling in the Drakensberg. The fund plays a critical role in giving deserving boys the opportunity to make their bow on the world choir stage, an honour that they would not have had without generous donations to the DBCS bursary fund.
The Drakies' alumni include renowned performers like Deon van der Walt, Zwai Bala, Jacques Imbrailo, and accomplished professionals in diverse fields. The school's rigorous choral training and academic and athletic programs ensure a holistic education that benefits every boy. "We are proud of the young men the school produces, and the benefits of choral music as part of the educational curriculum are well known. As evidence of this, our boys regularly win scholarships and are sought after by high-calibre schools when they leave after grade nine," Bekker concludes.
For more information about the Noël Tour or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.dbchoir.com from the listing on the home page or the calendar menu. Follow the Drakensberg Boys Choir on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content from the tour.
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