𝗡𝗸𝗼𝘀𝗶 𝗦𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗹’ 𝗶𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗮 (𝟭𝟴𝟵𝟳 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮), 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺, 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗿, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲,  𝗛𝘂𝗴𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲, 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻.

The Minnesota Boychoir toured South Africa for two weeks and last night, June 24, 2026, marked the final concert of the tour, presented by Classical Movements. They travelled with an entourage of 90 people – all the way from Minnesota. There were eight chaperones travelling with the group. I counted 46 on stage. They sang from the choir’s extensive repertoire and sang South African songs and hymns. By the way, they sang Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika in isiXhosa and isiZulu – no English. It was not only a beautiful rendition but impressive. They mastered the original isiXhosa and isiZulu. The Boychoir shared the stage with the Cape Town Children’s Choir. Both choirs charmed and delighted the audience. The auditorium was full with “gees” (Saffa speak for “spirit”, good vibes)

Mark Baldwin who is executive director of the Boychoir gave an emotionally charged address, thanking South Africa for its warmth, hospitality, spirit and “open hearts”. He took the opportunity to say farewell to the Boychoir Seniors who are now graduating. They hugged each on stage. There were tears – by the young men and by the audience. Phil Radtke, assistant director of the Boychoir was also on stage – as accompanist and conductor. Mark shared in conducting and playing with him


The Minnesota Boychoir was founded over 60 years ago and has toured extensively, across five continents. For this SA tour, they gave concerts in Soweto, Pretoria, Johannesburg, George and Cape Town – with a range of choirs and choral outfits.

Last night at the Hugo Lambrechts, Mark gave a rousing thanks to Bronwen Leith, conductor of the Cape Town Children’s Choir (CTCC), which is based at the Beau Soleil Music Centre in Kenilworth. The CTCC performed last night – on its own and with the Minnesota Boychoir.  It was interesting, inspiring and uplifting as Bronwen Leith introduced each song and explained its provenance. She started CTCC in January 2020, so it is new addition to the music scene in Cape Town, she told us.  

They were delighted to sing in this collaborative performance with The Minnesota Boychoir. She spoke of how receptive the Boychoir was in learning our songs; treasured songs from Africa. The Boychoir sang signature songs such as Shosholoza and songs that are less familiar to the mainstream. Each song has a history and a story and Bronwen shared insights last night. It was magic to see the two choirs sing together, connect across divides, united as one, singing numbers from American and South African choral traditions.

Last night’s concert was truly a manifestation of The Minnesota Boychoir’s commitment to “cultural exchange” and their embrace of “the unifying power of music”. Both choirs – The Minnesota Boychoir and Cape Town Children’s Choir were impeccably staged, with attention not only to voice but to movement. There was some lovely accompaniment on piano and on drums.

I hope that last night’s concert was recorded. I hope that it was documented and archived, although nothing beats live – being there in the moment – hearing the gasps of wonder and delight – from the audience and watching the young people on stage – truly feeling the music. It was wonderful to see the support of parents and family, and friends, and the wider music community, last night.

I am looking forward to the next Classical Movements Concert tour from the USA: The Washington D.C. Youth Orchestra Program tour. There are two concerts in Cape Town- July 7 and 8 with the South African Youth Choir. The concert on July 7 is at The Hugo Lambrechts. The concert on July 7 is at St Georges Cathedral.  No charge to attend both concerts – yes – they are free – but advisable to book. Bookings through Quicket.


Watch here for footage of The Minnesota Boychoir, singing Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika in isiXhosa and isiZulu, June 24, 2026, Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, Cape Town. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18hKKCcNVB/ and https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSCYGqS7f/ and https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaAS02lNZgU/.

❇ The Minnesota Boychoir and the Cape Town Children’s Choir sharing the stage, June 24, 2026, Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, Cape Town. Pic: TheCapeRobyn