HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Wells Cathedral to attend a fundraising concert in aid of the Drakensberg Boys Choir, supported by Wells Cathedral School.

Duchess Sophie joined the audience on Wednesday, September 25, in her capacity as Patron of Wells Cathedral Choristers Trust.

The concert included an "incredible" performance from Drakensberg Boys Choir alongside Wells Cathedral Schools choir and musicians, and Wells Cathedral choristers.

A spokesperson for Wells Cathedral School said: "It was a spectacular whirlwind of choral music featuring an eclectic repertoire, blending classical and Afro-Pop music, Coldplay and even a little bit of choreography and audience participation. The audience were dazzled by the talent and the infectious energy reverberating through the cathedral and the night was a roaring success.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for both world-renowned music schools to come
together to showcase their musical talents, while raising funds for future talented
individuals back in South Africa. A triumph of an evening for all involved and the start of a wonderful new friendship between Wells Cathedral School and Drakensberg Boys Choir School."

Alex Laing, Director of Music, Wells Cathedral School said: "It was a privilege for our musicians at School and Cathedral to join forces with the Drakensberg Boys Choir. There was a fabulous community spirit for the whole evening. Friends were made quickly and easily. It truly was an evening which proved how much music can unite people, cultures and countries.” 

The Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) prepares boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, sports, and social enrichment.

Known affectionately as "Drakie boys," students are encouraged to harness their
musical talents to bring hope and positive change in South Africa and globally. With
a 57-year history, DBCS is the only established choir school in South Africa, earning
international respect and producing young men of exemplary character.

For many of their talented boys, attending Drakensberg is a long-held dream come
true. Unfortunately, some boy’s world-class talent cannot be realised due to a lack of
funding. As a result, the Drakies bursary fund is critical in providing deserving boys
with the opportunity to perform on the world choir stage, an honour they would not
have had without generous donations to their bursary fund. Proceeds from the UK
tour will go to the bursary fund.

Joining the Drakensberg Boys Choir for this special performance were the Choristers
of Wells Cathedral Choir and the musicians and singers of Wells Cathedral School.

The Wells Cathedral Choristers are the treble voices of the world-renowned Wells
Cathedral Choir; lauded by Gramophone magazine as the "world’s leading choir with
children". They continue a tradition that dates back to the 10th century AD.

The School’s choirs have toured extensively to Europe and the Far East and have been prize winners in major international competitions including ‘Let the Peoples Sing’, ‘Musica Eterna Roma’, ‘BBC Choir of the Year', and most recently at the “International Choral Festival of Preveza’.