The Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) is excited to announce its highly anticipated 2024 Noël Tour, set to run from 21 November to 1 December 2024. This annual festive tour will bring the captivating sounds of the world-renowned choir to audiences in Eswatini, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Vereeniging, and Sasolburg. The Drakensberg Boys Choir continues to be one of South Africa’s most beloved musical treasures, presenting an exciting repertoire that blends classical choral music with contemporary African and Afro-pop influences.
“The boys have had an incredible year of performances, including our recent successful UK tour where British audiences enjoyed a captivating blend of classical masterpieces and infectious pop hits,” says Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of DBCS. “The Noël Tour is a cherished tradition, and this year’s series of performances promise to be as spectacular as ever.”
The Noël Tour, now in its 42nd year, is a special celebration of the festive season, with concerts featuring an array of beloved Christmas carols, classical choral works, and dynamic African songs.
The tour schedule includes the following performances:
2024 NOËL TOUR SCHEDULE:
- House on Fire, Eswatini – Thursday, 21 November, 19:00
- Musaion Theatre, Pretoria – Saturday, 23 November, 19:00
- Moreleta Kerk, Pretoria – Sunday, 24 November, 17:00
- Rosebank Union Church, Johannesburg – Tuesday, 26 November, 19:00
- NG Kerk Weltevreden, Johannesburg – Thursday, 28 November, 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, 1 December, 15:00
“Drakensberg Boys Choir, or Drakies as we are known, offers a diverse programme catering to many musical tastes, from the works of classical masters like Mozart to the vibrant and energetic sounds of African music. On the Drakies Noël tour, audiences can look forward to hearing popular Christmas-inspired choral works as well as some African works,” says Vaughan Van Zyl, Artistic Director at DBCS.
Bekker highlights that the school’s internationally acclaimed programme combines the art of choral singing and performance with rigorous academic training. The boys who leave DBCS do so as well-adjusted young men who are adequately equipped to face the challenges of their late high school years and beyond. “Music is the ministry of the Drakensberg Boys Choir. DBCS builds character moulds and develops boys to harness the gift of music to bring hope, impact, and positive change in South Africa and beyond. DBCS builds resilience, grows relationships, and fosters global ambassadors with music as the tool to spread its message of hope,” he adds.
“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 world-class talent cannot be harnessed due to financial constraints. The bursary 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 into our bursary fund,” explains Bekker.
The DBCS 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. “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 schools of high calibre when they leave the school after grade nine,” concludes Beker.
The Drakies always inspire and delight. Whether performing in front of international royalty, in a stadium packed to capacity or in the school’s own Valley of Music auditorium, audiences can always expect to be delighted by their varied repertoire, ranging from world-famous classical choral pieces to Afro-Pop favourites. Tickets for the 2024 Noël Tour are on sale now by clicking on Concert Tours / Bookings on the www.dbchoir.com website. Given the popularity of the choir and their performances, audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
