THE DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER 2024 INTERNATIONAL TOUR TO ENGLAND
11 April 2024
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 APRIL 2024: The Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) is excited to announce that Drakensberg Boys Choir (DBC) will showcase their musical talents to UK audiences during their upcoming tour to England from 20 to 30 September. The Drakensberg Boys Choir, or Drakies as they are fondly referred to, is a world-class South African treasure that brings diverse music lovers the most beautiful music across classic choral, contemporary African, and entertaining Afro-pop genres.
"The United Kingdom (UK) tour in September promises to be a true highlight. UK audiences will be able to delight in the renowned vocal and rhythmic qualities of this esteemed boys' choir and their balanced repertoire and prowess in both classical choral concert music by Mozart and Carl Orff, as well as African and Afro-pop genres made famous by Miriam Makeba, Mango Groove and Johnny Clegg, bringing the kind of music to UK stages that made Lebo M's Lion King score such a West End hit!" states DBCS Executive Head Dave Cato.
The tour, which will depart from Johannesburg on Friday, 20 September, includes concerts at St Paul's Knightsbridge and Southwark Cathedral in London, Wells Cathedral, New College Chapel in Oxford, Clifton Cathedral and performances in Barnsley. The Southwark Cathedral concert will include four school choirs; Drakensberg Boys Choir School, Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School, Eton College and Westminster School. Concert ticket prices will, on average, be GBP30.00 per ticket.
British audiences can look forward to experiencing a captivating blend of classical masterpieces and infectious pop hits at our upcoming concert tour. The repertoire will range from the timeless compositions of Carl Orff and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the vibrant rhythms of Afro-pop and traditional African contemporary works, promising to enchant audiences of all tastes. The melodic genius of Ola Gjeilo, Knut Nystedt, and other celebrated composers will be offered during the tour. In addition to our classical showcase, audiences will be able to feel the South African beats in the electrifying Afro-pop programme. The tour promises to be an unforgettable musical journey.
Supportive funding is still required to make the tour a reality, covering costs for flights, UK ground travel, accommodation, and subsistence. Brand South Africa has already pledged its partnership with Drakies for the year and support for the UK tour. The Brand South Africa collaboration recognises the Choir's iconic status and how Drakies inspire, empower, and celebrate active South African diversity through the arts. Other brand supporters who have contributed to the tour through services or funding include Multichoice and Stone. Much-needed further funding partners are welcomed. Brand exposure before, during, and after this high-exposure tour will be provided to partners in recognition of their contributions according to their value.
"Drakies is blessed and fortunate to bring choral and music lovers across the globe the most beautiful and entertaining music, either through live performances, streaming or recordings of their outstanding work. Music is our ministry, and we look forward to carrying this message of hope abroad to English audiences," states Cato.
The school's internationally acclaimed program combines the art of choral singing and performance with rigorous academic training, sports and outdoor pursuits. The boys leave DBCS middle school in the Cathkin Valley in South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains as well-adjusted young men who are adequately equipped to face the challenges of their late high school years and beyond.
"Attending this world-class choir school is often a life-long dream fulfilled for many of our 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. It is sad if a boy's world-class talent cannot be harnessed due to lack of funds. Therefore, the Drakies bursary fund plays a critical role in affording deserving boys the opportunity to make their bow on the world choir stage, an honour that they would not have had without generous donations into our bursary fund," explains Terence Sibiya, Chairperson of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School Board of Directors.
"The Drakensberg Boys Choir School's mission is to prepare boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, sport, and social enrichment in a Christian environment. The school firmly believes that every boy's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is paramount and is committed to upholding that as a priority," adds Sibiya.
Stepping into England immerses oneself in a living tapestry of history, culture, and charm. England offers an unparalleled experience that ignites the imagination and stirs the soul. Despite the very tight concert programme that awaits them, the Drakie boys will be able to savour some iconic landmarks of London like Big Ben, Tower Bridge and more while exploring further afield into the countryside.
Annual international tours are a strong tradition at Drakies. One of the highlight tours of the choir's proud 57-year history was an invitation from Pope John Paul II to perform in St. Peter's Square in 1983. The choir also performed for the first president of democratic South Africa, Nelson Mandela, in a unique location high in the majestic Drakensberg, the famous South African world heritage site. The Choir was the first South African cultural group to perform behind the Iron Curtain in 1985. Drakies also performed at the American Choral Directors' Association Congress 2007.
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