Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, through its annual Noel tour, themed The Light Has Come, aims to share a message of hope, peace and joy. Executive headmaster Hendrik Bekker said the choir saw music as more than entertainment.

“Our slogan is Music Is Our Ministry. We really try to use the boys’ musical gift to inspire others and make a meaningful contribution to the communities we visit.”

The intention is to offer audiences an enjoyable musical experience while reminding them that this is a season of hope and renewal after a long year. The concert is presented in two halves, taking audiences on a musical journey from the wonder of Christ’s birth to the joy and celebration of Christmas.

The first half focuses on sacred choral masterpieces and traditional Christmas carols, including “Once in royal David’s city”, “O holy night”, “The first noel” and “The Sussex carol”.

The second half takes on a lighter, more celebratory feel, incorporating contemporary favorites, African-inspired music and familiar festive classics.

Audiences can look forward to pieces such as “An African Christmas”, alongside joyful favorites including “The little drummer boy” and “Jingle bells”.

Members of the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir.  Photo supplied 

While the performances showcase the choir’s musical ability, Bekker said the experience of being part of the school extends far beyond learning to sing.

The school’s broader mission is to prepare boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, sport and social development.

The discipline required to prepare for performances, as well as the experience of standing on stage, helps develop qualities such as perseverance, resilience and self-discipline, he said.

More importantly, the school aims to help boys discover their purpose and understand how their individual talents can benefit others.

“We are trying to create young men of purpose,” Bekker said, adding the ultimate goal is for the boys to leave the school equipped to make a positive contribution to their communities and society.

The tour also provides an opportunity to inspire other young boys who enjoy singing and performing to consider becoming part of the choir.

The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir will bring The Light Has Come to Bethlehem, where the school is particularly looking forward to reconnecting with an audience it has not visited in some time, said Bekker.

Through a combination of traditional carols, contemporary favourites and powerful choral performances, the choir hopes to leave audiences with more than the memory of a beautiful concert, but also a renewed sense of hope, peace and joy this Christmas.

The choir will visit Bethlehem on 20 Novem ber as part of theNoël Tour. The performance will take place at the NG Kerk Bethlehem-Wes, with the concert scheduled to begin at 18:30. Tickets are available for purchase through the Drakensberg Boys Choir School’s official website.

OFM News/Ditebogo Molefi  sm

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