Stunning Drakensberg Experience! The Drakensberg Boys' Choir

Travelling to South Africa? Well, you're going to Cape Town,
right? And you want to see if you can get the Big 5? Here's
something that's better than Cape Town. Better than the Big 5.
And it's the Drakensberg Boys' Choir. There aren't that many
things that are unique or world class in South Africa, but the
Drakensberg Boys' Choir is one of them.

Thirty-six years ago, the Drakensberg Boys' Choir was born. The
dream was of a multi-racial, multi-cultural Choir School to rival
the Vienna Boys. Not in the middle of a history-rich, ancient
European city. But in the boondocks. In a beautiful, rural,
sparsely populated valley in the Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu
Natal, South Africa. The first and only one of its kind on the
continent.

Doors opened in 1965 to the first 20 pupils, after John Tungay
persuaded his parents, Ronald and Gwen, to dedicate 100 acres of
their farm to his proposed school. Today the annual intake is 100
boys between 9 and 15, and auditions are held nation-wide.

Can you think of anything more sublime than crisp, mountain air,
majestic mountains, azure skies and natural beauty as far as the
eye can see, complemented by the pure tones of counter-tenor
harmony?

The Drakensberg Boys' Choir tours overseas every year and is
internationally recognized as one of the best in the world. And
they aren't just holier that thou brats either – after hours
they're into rapids tubing, abseiling and Drakensberg hiking.
They work hard and play hard.

Be prepared for diversity. If you like a good dirge, stay away.
The Drakensberg Boys' Choir has very catholic tastes. The first
half of the concert is classical. You might hear Bach or
Beethoven or Mozart. The second half can be anything. It could be
Queen sung in rounds by groups of immaculately trained 12-year
old tenor and bass vocalists. (Freddie Mercury would have loved
it). Or folk, or jazz, or sacred music. Or African harmonies
you've never heard before that will bring tears to your eyes.

Come with tissues. And a jersey, for the goosebumps. But whatever
you do, BE THERE. The Drakensberg Boys' Choir performs most
Wednesdays during term time at 3.30 p.m. There is a world class
auditorium on campus.

If you're in the area on a Wednesday, you've got time for an
early lunch (or a late breakfast) and a scenic drive along Route
R600. Its not called the Champagne Valley for nothing. Or if
you're planning on December, go to the Drakensberg Festive
Celebration, a four-day extravaganza of music, with lots of guest
artists, Xmas music, and stalls for shopping.

So if you're coming to South Africa – sure Cape Town is good and
you need the Big 5. But the Drakensberg is good too. And you
really shouldn't miss this.


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