Posted by QuickReadAbout.com Staff in South Africa’s Singing Ambassadors – The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. They Will Rock You!
The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School was founded in 1965, with 20 students. The dream? To build something that would rival the Vienna Boys’ Choir. But not in a European city steeped in history and tradition. In the boondocks. In the middle of the magnificently scenic Champagne Valley in the Central Drakensberg.
They call them South Africa’s singing ambassadors. And if you’re planning a trip to South Africa this is something you just have to put on your itinerary. Yes, yes I know you’re going to Cape Town and you want to do a wildlife safari but this is not to be missed. They’ll give you goosebumps and they’ll make you cry. And you’ll never forget them. They tour and compete internationally every year.
Now, they take in about 100 children a year. It’s not that easy to get in and auditions are held countrywide. They get a first-class education and a very active outdoor lifestyle in their rugged Drakensberg paradise. So think crisp mountain air. Big blue skies. In the winter, snow-capped peaks. And exquisite tenor harmonies.
Where, when and how much? Let’s start with where. Well once you’ve ticked the Big 5 and had your fill of Table Mountain, you’re going to need to take a little detour into KwaZulu Natal. Find Route 600 into the Central Drakensberg and you’re there. When? Every Wednesday afternoon during school terms at 3:30. (Although it’s a relatively big 600-seater auditorium in the middle of nowhere, booking is essential – phone (+27 (0)36 468 1012). How much? R75. That’s about $10 U.S.
And the music? Well the first half of the 3-hour concert is classical. Mozart, Bach, Beethoven – they do the gamut. Then hang onto your seat and prepare yourself for diversity. It could be Queen, music from the movies or gut-wrenching African rhythms and harmonies. A spellbinding and enthralling performance.
South Africa’s Singing Ambassadors – The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. They Will Rock You!