The light has come as Drakensberg Boys Choir brings Christmas magic this November

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – As the festive season approaches, the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir is preparing to bring the unmistakable sound of Christmas to concert halls and churches across South Africa. Blending traditional carols with the infectious rhythms of African music and contemporary festive favourites, the choir’s much-loved 2026 Noël Tour – The Light Has Come promises an uplifting musical experience for audiences of all ages.

Worldwide, many schools have boys’ choirs, but the Drakensberg Boys Choir is unique and one of only a few of its kind globally: a boarding school that uses choral music as a significant vehicle for holistic education. The mission of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) is to prepare boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, physical development and social enrichment, all within a Christian environment.

"For many families, Christmas is a time to reconnect, reflect and celebrate what matters most," says Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS). "That's what makes our Noël Tour so special. It's about much more than beautiful music. It's about creating moments families can share, reminding us of the hope Christmas brings and leaving audiences with a little more joy in their hearts."

Running from 20 to 29 November 2026, the tour will present eight performances across Bethlehem, Pretoria, Johannesburg and the Western Cape. This year's theme, The Light has Come, draws inspiration from the birth of Christ and the enduring message of hope, peace and joy at the heart of Christmas. Building on 2025's The Promise of Light, the programme celebrates the arrival of that light and its power to unite people.

A musical journey from wonder to celebration

“The 2026 Noël programme takes audiences on a two-part musical journey, moving from the mystery and stillness of Christmas to an exuberant celebration of the season,” says Jacques Linde, Head of Choral Activity at Drakensberg Boys Choir School and the choir’s conductor.

Part I – The Mystery of Light explores the wonder of Christ's birth through sacred choral masterpieces and traditional carols. Highlights include Once in Royal David's City, Karl Jenkins' From Our Earth from Stella Natalis, Arvo Pärt's Bogoróditse Djévo, and Jacobus Gallus' O Magnum Mysterium, alongside familiar favourites such as The First Noël, Sussex Carol, and O Holy Night.

Part II – Light becomes Celebration offers a joyful change of pace, combining the vibrant Gloria from Paul Basler's Missa Kenya, the powerful spiritual Ride On, King Jesus! and the distinctly African sounds of An African Christmas and Merrie Krismis. Beloved carols such as Joy to the World and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing sit alongside contemporary favourites, including Little Drummer Boy, Jingle Bells and Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas, before the programme concludes with Silent Night.

Linde says the contrast between the two halves makes this year’s programme particularly special. "We want audiences to experience the full emotion of Christmas,” he explains. “There are moments in the first half when the music is so beautiful and still that you can almost feel the room holding its breath. The second half brings the wonderful energy the Drakies are known for, with African rhythms, familiar carols and music that makes you want to celebrate. It’s a programme with something for everyone, but most importantly, it tells a story.” This season, the Drakies will spread Christmas cheer across the Free State and Gauteng before heading to the Western Cape.

The official 2026 Noël Tour schedule is as follows:

Tickets for the Noël Tour are available via www.dbchoir.com by clicking either the concert bookings button on the home page or the link on the calendar page.

A highlight of this year’s Noël Tour is the annual Christmas concert in The Venue at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on Sunday, 22 November at 18:00. Titled Noël Tour - Magic and Music at Every Corner, the concert forms part of Melrose Arch’s Festive Season celebrations. It continues a cherished tradition, bringing the Drakensberg Boys Choir School’s extraordinary voices to one of Johannesburg’s most popular lifestyle destinations.

To attend the Melrose Arch special performance, audiences must purchase tickets early at www.melrosearch.co.za or Computicket to avoid disappointment. Last year, the Melrose Arch concert tickets sold out very early! Only 350 tickets are available for the Melrose Arch concert at R350 per person, including children under 12.

“Our longstanding relationship with the Drakensberg Boys Choir School is something we truly value, and welcoming the boys back to Melrose Arch each Christmas is always a highlight of our Festive Season,” says Natalie Stewart, Managing Director of Melrose Arch. “Their music brings a special atmosphere to the precinct, creating moments of joy and togetherness for families and visitors. We look forward to sharing another magical evening with our community.”

More than a choir, a celebration of South African talent

The Noël Tour rounds off another memorable year for DBCS, following performances at Music in the Mountains, Music in the City, and its Southern Africa Tour, which took the boys to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Boys aged 9 to 13 can become part of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School! During the tour, boys can audition at Stone, 54 Melville Road, Illovo, Johannesburg, on 21 November 2026 at 11:00 or after each tour concert. Online auditions are also available with the school’s senior music staff. Contact hcato@dbchoir.co.za to book an in-person or online audition slot. See more about the enrolment process at https://dbchoir.com/enrolment.

DBCS is South Africa’s only established choir school, with a strong global reputation built over its 59-year history. Its premium choir brand is internationally respected. The choir has delighted audiences worldwide since 1967, serving as true South African singing ambassadors and bringing a message of hope. Weekly concerts are held on the school campus in the 500-seater auditorium. DBCS continues to fly the South African flag high, locally, regionally and internationally!

Alongside their academic education, the Drakie boys receive world-class musical training while developing the confidence, discipline and character that will serve them throughout their lives. Through its Bursary Fund, DBCS also helps talented boys from diverse backgrounds access these unique educational and musical opportunities, ensuring that the next generation of young South African talent can continue to flourish. Being part of Drakies opens many doors. Many Drakies alumni have excelled not only in the music industry but also as professionals and in sport or business. The calibre of our alumni speaks for itself.

“As we prepare for Christmas, we hope families and friends will take the opportunity to come together, enjoy the music and experience something truly special. If audiences leave feeling inspired, uplifted and reminded of the hope this season represents, we will have achieved what Noël is all about,” Bekker concludes.

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EDITORS’ NOTES

Media release issued by Stone on behalf of Drakensberg Boys Choir School

Visit the DBCS website to purchase tickets and view the concert programme: http://www.dbchoir.com

For media enquiries, interview requests or media appearances, contact:

Alternative media and marketing contact or enrolment of boys at the school:

Contribute to the DBCS bursary fund:

Book the Choir for a performance:

More helpful website links for media reference:

Kgotso Chauke

Media Consultant, Stone on behalf of DBCS

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E. kgotso@stone.consultingP. + 27 11 447 1068M. +27 62 870 2294W. www.dbchoir.com

Willem S Eksteen

DBCS Board Chairperson, Stone on behalf of DBCS

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E. media@dbchoir.teamP. +27 11 447 0168W. www.dbchoir.com