Feel the magic of Christmas with the whimsical talent of SA’s musical ambassadors

Allow yourself to be whisked away by the magic of Christmas, brought to life by the whimsical melodies of some of South Africa’s most acclaimed singing ambassadors.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir performs Christmas in the Berg this weekend at its Cathkin Park campus, nestled in the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains.

For show bookings please contact 036 468 1012 or email bookings@dbchoir.co.za

For a preview of the remarkable talent that will take the stage see the programme below:

Friday, December 6 at 2pm

Drakensberg Boys Choir: A Portrait

The Drakensberg Boys Choir has entertained audiences for 45 years and still ranks internationally as one of the world’s top boys’ choirs. This repertoire is proof that the Drakensberg Boys Choir is continually transforming and adapting to the latest trends and developments in the choir world – a choir not stuck in the past! Come and enjoy an exceptional variety of music, from classical compositions and contemporary choral works, to unique arrangements of popular songs and the choir’s distinctive interpretation of international and South African folk songs. The choir’s performances are characterised by the boys’ sincerity, exceptional versatility and their remarkable ability to engage emotionally with their audiences!

Friday, December 6at 8pm

Carols by Candlelight – The Drakensberg Boys Choir and Nadine

Treat the family to a Christmas extravaganza of your favourite carols, led by The Drakensberg Boys Choir, who will be joined on stage by acclaimed South African singer, Nadine.

Audience participation is what it’s all about, so be prepared for a wonderful evening of community singing in the true Christmas spirit!

Saturday December 7 at 9am

A Talent Showcase

Audiences will be treated to “other” talents of the Drakensberg Boys Choir, not only in the choral sphere, but also including performances involving a great variety of musical instruments. The show will feature winners of the Drakensberg Boys Choir Internal Music Competition as well as talents of the music staff members.

Saturday December, 7 at 11am

Local is Lekker

The Champagne Valley boasts a special breed of people and some hidden musical talents! This concert will reveal the musical talents of people of the Champagne Valley and Winterton district. From tantalising vocal solos to the Valley Band and Valley Adult Choir, bringing their own signature sound to the concert – and of course, the valley’s biggest export product, the Drakensberg Boys Choir, will also be part of this special event.

Saturday December 7 at 2.30pm

Joy to the World

This concert features the Drakensberg Boys Choir, together with a number of Old Boys, Alumni Voices, and the Resonans Ensemble, uniting to bring the listeners Joy to the World – a festive celebration of Christmas music by the British composer Karl Jenkins.

Karl Jenkins, known for the Adiemus sound, composed new music and arranged some well-known Christmas carols to form this exciting new work. The choirs will be accompanied by an ad hoc string orchestra and percussion group with the trumpet solo being played by Paul Loeb van Zuilenburg.

The concert will also feature some a capella Christmas works, ranging from celebrated Christmas carols to popular Christmas music.

Saturday December 7 at 5.30pm

Nadine and Corlea

What a combination! Two of the most exciting South African singing stars share the festival stage to entertain us with a musical package of wonderful music!

During her illustrious career, Nadine has released no less than eight albums and a much acclaimed DVD. Best known for her chart-topping single Kaapse Draai, she has also recorded a number of songs in English, including her sensational 2010 album This Time I Know.

Corlea certainly needs no introduction. Hailed by that famous jazz musician, Hugh Masekela, as ‘’nothing short of remarkable’’, this singing sensation began her sensational career as a five-year-old child prodigy and has been thrilling audiences ever since, with her hauntingly beautiful voice. She joined a number of prestigious artists such as Dolly Rathebe and Mara Louw, when she was chosen as The Voice of the New Generation. Among her countless stage performances, she has shared the stage with the Bala Brothers, Freshly Ground, Steve Hofmeyer and many other acclaimed artists. Singing with popular South African singer Rudi Claase, the duo recorded the album ‘’Ons Lieflinge/Our Darlings’’ which achieved double platinum status.

Saturday December 7 at 8pm

Drakies & Divas

Drakies & Divas is a popular show where the Drakensberg Boys Choir shares the stage with some of South Africa’s leading female musicians. For this performance the choir will be joined by Zanne Stapelberg (Soprano); Lizelle le Roux (Violinist) and Magda de Vries (Marimba). Zanne, with her charismatic style, will bring some famous opera arias to the audience, together with some popular numbers. Lizelle le Roux has always been a favourite, and this year will be no different, displaying her wide talents in different genres on the violin. Magda de Vries and her string quartet will entertain the audience with a selection of baroque music, specially arranged for marimba and string quartet in an exciting programme entitled Marimbaroque

Sunday December 8 at 9am

Interdenominational Church Service

Sunday December 8 at 11am

Obsession – Ockie Vermeulen

Don’t miss the amazing talents of Ockie Vermeulen, South Africa’s maestro of the pipe organ! From Bach to contemporary classics, including chart-topping pop songs, Ockie has mesmerised audiences with his stunning performances – Obsession is no exception!

He comments :

‘’Since 1989 I started writing fan mail to Christa Steyn, well-known composer and pianist of that time. She never wrote back.

It was not until September 1990 that she phoned me to thank me for my consistent writing. Since then, she became my mentor, my friend and my obsession.

This production pays homage to the profound impact she has had on my life and career. Together with a string ensemble, multi-media and virtual symphony orchestra, some of her greatest and lesser known works are presented on organ and piano. Some Bach is thrown in for good measure.

In the spirit of Christmas, the audience can expect some sing-along carols and the Drakensberg Boys Choir will, of course, make a guest appearance.’’

Sunday December 8 at 2pm

Joy to the World

This concert features the DBC, Old Boys of the DBC, Alumni Voices, and Resonans Ensemble, uniting to bring the listeners Joy to the world – a festive celebration of Christmas music by the British composer Karl Jenkins.

Karl Jenkins, known for the Adiemus sound, composed new music and arranged some well-known Christmas carols to form this exciting new work. The choirs will be accompanied by an ad hoc string orchestra and percussion group with the trumpet solo played by Paul Loeb van Zuilenburg.

The concert will also include some a capella Christmas works ranging from celebrated Christmas Carols to some popular Christmas music. This, the final concert of Christmas in the Berg, marks the end of the Grade 9 boys’ careers at the Drakensberg Boys Choir School and traditionally ends with an emotional rendition of ‘’Silent Night’’.