Music in the Mountains returns to the berg with four days of Hope, Heritage and Harmony

16 February 2026

DRAKENSBERG, KWAZULU-NATAL, 16 February 2026 - Following the extraordinary success of last year's Music in the Mountains festival, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School is preparing to once again welcome audiences to its home campus in the majestic Drakensberg for MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS 2026, taking place from Friday, 24 April to Monday, 27 April 2026, themed Hope, Heritage and Harmony.

Now firmly established as one of South Africa's most distinctive and uplifting music festivals, Music in the Mountains blends world-class choral performances with a vibrant festival atmosphere set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Berg. Over four immersive days, the campus will come alive with music, movement and community as audiences gather to celebrate the unifying power of song.

"Music in the Mountains is where everything we stand for as a school comes together," says Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. "It is about musical excellence, but it is also about faith, community and giving our boys the opportunity to inspire others through their gifts, right here on their home ground."

A festival rooted in place, people and purpose

Last year's festival saw the campus transformed into a hive of activity, with craft and food stalls drawing visitors throughout the day and families enjoying the warm, inclusive atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Music in the Mountains (MiMs). From the aromas drifting across the lawns to the buzz of audiences moving between concerts, the festival created a space where music lovers of all ages could gather, connect and celebrate. This year's festival promises to surpass the success of MiMs 2025!

"These concerts are all-embracing and deeply rewarding," says Jacques Linde, Head of Choral Activity. "They require discipline, focus and emotional honesty, but they also allow space for joy, movement and musical freedom. Performing in the mountains, surrounded by nature and a supportive audience, is something truly unique."

Bookings for MiMs concerts are open now on https://ww.dbchoir.com or by calling +27 36 468 1012

Music in the Mountains opens with a powerful gala evening celebrating South Africa's rich musical heritage. In Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony, the Drakensberg Boys Choir presents a programme that honours the traditions of boy choir singing while embracing the vibrant diversity of South African song. Audiences can expect a moving journey through sacred choral works by composers such as Scarlatti, Schumann, and Whitacre, beloved African repertoire by composers Mbuso Ndlovu and Mzwandile Mabuza, and contemporary pieces that speak to resilience, unity, and shared identity, such as Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time. This opening gala sets the tone for the festival — uplifting, dignified, and deeply rooted in hope.

A thrilling crossover concert celebrating the legendary music of Queen, featuring the internationally renowned Warren Vernon-Driscoll and the Drakensberg Boys Choir. From soaring anthems to powerful ballads, this electrifying performance reimagines Queen's iconic hits with choral richness and pop energy. A festival highlight that blends classical precision with rock grandeur. Vernon-Driscoll is a former Drakie and an avid supporter of the school and the Drakensberg Boys Choir.

At the heart of MiMs is the belief that music has the power to unite. This philosophy is most clearly expressed in the Voices of Unity concert series, which brings together young singers from different schools, cultures and communities in a shared celebration of choral music. Last year's Voices of Unity concerts at the festival featured visiting school choirs from across the region, including an international contribution, reinforcing the festival's role as a platform for collaboration and cultural exchange.

"The Voices of Unity concerts are always incredibly special. To see young singers from different schools standing side by side, united by music, is a powerful reminder of why choral singing matters. Music creates understanding and connection in a way few other things can," Linde says.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir: Requiem in the Mountains provides an evening of profound musical reflection. In the majestic setting of the mountains, the Drakensberg Boys Choir presents a deeply moving programme of sacred choral music by composers Michael John Trotta and Karl Jenkins, exploring themes of remembrance, faith, and transcendence. Atmospheric and contemplative, this concert offers a powerful spiritual experience shaped by the beauty of modern sacred choral music.

Music in the Mountains 2026 programme highlights

Music in the Mountains 2026 opens on Friday, 24 April, with a Gala Concert at 19:00 titled Drakensberg Boys Choir: Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony. This opening performance sets the tone for the festival, drawing together the musical threads of tradition, faith and contemporary expression.

On Saturday, 25 April, audiences are invited to begin the day with Handful of Keys featuring Liza Joubert from 09:00 to 10:00, a concert known for its intimacy and musical storytelling. This is followed by Voices of Unity 1 from 11:00 to 12:30 and Voices of Unity 2 from 16:00 to 17:30, showcasing young voices united in harmony. The day concludes with a high-energy evening concert at 19:00 — QUEEN, featuring Warren Driscoll and the Drakensberg Boys Choir, promising a powerful fusion of rock classics and choral brilliance.

Sunday, 26 April, begins once again with Handful of Keys from 09:00 to 10:00, followed by Voices of Unity 3 from 11:00 to 12:30. The Old Boy Variety Concert takes place from 16:00 to 17:30, before the evening culminates in the deeply moving Drakensberg Boys Choir: Requiem in the Mountains at 19:00. This reflective and profound musical experience has become a signature moment of the festival.

The festival concludes on Freedom Day, Monday 27 April, with a morning church service from 09:00 to 10:00 led by Angus Buchan, followed by the final concert from 11:00 to 12:30 — Drakensberg Boys Choir: Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony, The Finale, a triumphant, celebratory final concert by the Drakies choir. Bringing together the spirit of the weekend, this programme revisits the themes of unity, heritage, and harmony in a joyful closing concert. An uplifting finale that sends audiences home inspired and renewed.

Celebrating legacy and lifelong connection

Renowned for its superb vocal discipline and dynamic stage presence, the Drakensberg Boys Choir is celebrated both locally and internationally for a repertoire that seamlessly blends classical choral works with African rhythms, contemporary arrangements and Afro-Pop influences. This distinctive musical identity has earned the Choir a reputation as a truly South African cultural asset since 1967.

Beyond its artistic excellence, Music in the Mountains remains a vital expression of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School's mission and an important fundraising initiative supporting the school's bursary programme. Proceeds from the festival help ensure that talented young boys from diverse backgrounds can access a life-changing education grounded in musical and personal development.

"Music in the Mountains is not just a festival on our calendar," Bekker concludes. "It is an expression of who we are. It reminds us that music has the power to uplift hearts, strengthen communities and speak hope into our country. We are proud to welcome audiences back to the Berg for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration where you can truly see that Music is our Ministry."