The Old Mutual Carols by Candlelight concerts give to the less fortunate. This year is on 30 November and 1 December, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens and Pretoria National Botanical Gardens (respectively) will reverberate to the sounds of Christmas carols. The Bala Brothers and the Field Band Foundation will lead the singing. The Field Band Foundation’s marching band will kick off proceedings with a stirring, expertly choreographed performance. This foundation is a youth-development project that engages underprivileged youngsters through music and dance.
The Bala Brothers are a multi-award-winning trio renowned for infusing classical opera sounds with popular African music. Their have appeared in London alongside the Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir and at the Edinburgh Festival.
As usual, collection bins will be placed in the Gardens for concert-goers to donate non-perishables, blankets and toys that will bring joy to children who will not be spending the festive season with their loved ones. Tickets are available at www.plankton.mobi for R50, or for R70 at the door. Children under 13 can enter for free and stand a chance to win Christmas-themed goodies. Gates will open at 17h00 and the concert will end at approximately 20h00.
