An Unforgettable Experience: Our tour to South Africa

The South Africa Tour was an unforgettable experience filled with endless music, memories and friendship. Straight after landing in South Africa, we were transported to Table Mountain, one of the seven Wonders of Nature. The views were breath-taking, and you could see the entirety of Cape Town below.  

Later in the trip, we had the privilege of going to Robben Island to see Nelson Mandela's prison cell. It was fascinating to learn about how the prisoners were categorised and to see the small space that Nelson Mandela spent many years in. And who could forget our day in False Bay where we saw seals on Seal Island, took the cable car up the cliffs on Cape Point and came face to face with some of the cutest penguins I’d ever encountered. It really gave us the opportunity to take in our environment – to think we were at the edge of South Africa, is mind-blowing. We also had a chance to try some local cuisine. One restaurant called ‘Gold’ offered us a 14- course menu, with live entertainment and an opportunity to dance on stage. The big hit at my table was Roosterkoek which, despite the name, is a type of bread! 

Everyone we met on the tour was so welcoming, from our lovely tour guides to the hotel and restaurants staff. We also had the pleasure of meeting three choirs: Fezeka High School Choir, the Cape Town Camerata and Stellenbosch University Choir. I felt honoured to be able to sing with the school children – especially as for many of them it was their first big performance! On our final night, we were joined by members of the university choir, where we laughed, ate and sang together; a chance to learn more about each other's lives. It was truly a night filled with magic.  

The music on this tour was simply phenomenal. Rheinberger’s Abendlied quickly became my favourite a cappella piece, and some of the more challenging pieces really helped me improve my sight-reading. Belshazzar's Feast was one of those challenges; it is a piece that requires both stamina and precision due to its changing tempos and various harmonies. I grew to love it, as we smoothed out the edges and perfected the notes. Another highlight was the concert we gave above the vats of wine at a local winery. It was one of the strangest places I’ve ever sung, but its echoey acoustic made for some spine-tingling a cappella singing.  

The final concert in London – with Mozart’s Requiem at its heart - made me realise how truly magnificent the tour was. It felt unreal looking back and knowing I had spent over a week with these incredible members and super attentive staff. I’d never been to anywhere in Africa before so to have had this experience is something I am appreciative of. This was also my first year in NYC, so a great way to start my journey in the choir.  

I will never forget all the times shared with friends, rehearsing, relaxing and performing. I am so thankful to the staff for arranging such a complex trip - they are honestly a super team. The tour not only forced me out of my comfort zone but pushed me to be better. I acquired so many new skills, that will be useful even outside the music world and have friends that could easily be for life. All in all, I’m grateful that for my first music residential I got to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I can't wait to see what the future holds! 

Written by Sherae, National Youth Choir (18-25 Years)