THE Hillcrest High School (HHS) and the Durban Symphonic Choirs joined forces to present an inspirational afternoon of song as part of the school’s 50th Celebrations and the Durban Symphonic’s 60th milestone recently.

The special commemorate concert was spearheaded by Mervyn Bartholomew, an educator at HHS, who heads up the school choir and who is also a member of the Durban Symphonic Choir.

“The collaboration provided a unique opportunity for learners to perform alongside experienced choral singers and experience the power of a large mass choir,” said Denise Knight, principal of HHS. “A particular highlight was the school choir’s presentation of favourite repertoire from the past three years, showcasing the strength and quality of the ensemble.”

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The Durban Symphonic Choir performed various musical medleys from WA Mozart and excerpts from Karl Jenkins’ Requiem while the HHS Choir performed pieces from the 2026 Legends Unlocked School Production, celebrating 50 years of musical legends, as well as a series of traditional South African Pop Choral pieces. Memorable moments included the dramatic a cappella procession and the combined choirs’ stirring performance of For the Beauty of the Earth, performed by more than 80 singers.

“The concert was a fitting celebration of both organisations’ milestone anniversaries and a wonderful showcase of choral excellence within the school community,” said Knight.

“Congratulations to both choirs on a fantastic concert and thank you to Mr Mervyn Bartholomew and Ms Gabrielle Stow for their diligence in preparing our school choir – they truly held their own despite performing alongside and in unison with a choir of such high calibre, the Durban Symphonic Choir.”

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