01
Day
Arrival
Arrival
Welcome to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, followed by the MCC reception and opening dinner.
Music · Culture · Discovery
Nine unforgettable days.
A carefully considered journey through music, South African culture, exceptional hospitality and the natural beauty of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
The Out of Africa Experience
01
More than a choir course
A shared musical journey, shaped by South Africa.
Over nine days, guests will sing and learn alongside exceptional musical leaders, experience South African culture and connect with fellow music lovers from around the world.
The retreat is designed to combine serious music-making with the warmth, beauty and spirit of South Africa — creating space to slow down, discover and make music together.
The journey
Nine unforgettable days.
From arrival in the Midlands to one final African morning, each day adds another layer to the experience.
02
Day
Music · Culture · Discovery
Music, culture & connection
Itinerary details to be confirmed.
Detailed itinerary to be confirmed
03
Day
Music · Culture · Discovery
Music, culture & connection
Itinerary details to be confirmed.
Detailed itinerary to be confirmed
04
Day
Music · Culture · Discovery
Music, culture & connection
Itinerary details to be confirmed.
Detailed itinerary to be confirmed
05
Day
Music · Culture · Discovery
Music, culture & connection
Itinerary details to be confirmed.
Detailed itinerary to be confirmed
06
Day
Music · Culture · Discovery
Music, culture & connection
Itinerary details to be confirmed.
Detailed itinerary to be confirmed
07
Day
Performance
Performance
Final rehearsal, performance and celebration.
08
Day
Into the wild
Into the wild
Game reserve, safari, sundowners, dinner under African skies and the final song.
09
Day
One last African morning
One last African morning
Morning game drive, breakfast and departure.
The musical heart of the retreat
Serious music-making.
Extraordinary surroundings.
No pressure to be anything other than immersed. The musical programme brings together daily rehearsal, expert coaching, workshops and a final performance.
- Daily choir rehearsals
- Sectional rehearsals
- Expert vocal coaching
- Accompanist-led sessions
- Workshops & masterclasses
- A final performance
Musical leadership
Artistic team
World-class musical leadership is brought together with vocal faculty, accompanists and South African guest artists. Additional team members can be added to the programme as they are confirmed.
01
Founder & Host
Dan Newell
Principal Cornet (trumpet) of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Professor of Trumpet at the Royal College of Music. Dan has an international career spanning more than three decades.
02
Guest Conductor
Ben Parry
Ben Parry is one of Britain’s most versatile and respected choral musicians. He was Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Youth Choir and is Director of London Voices.
Coming together
Vocal faculty & South African artists
Expert vocal coaches, accompanists and guest artists will bring together world-class musical leadership with authentic South African cultural voices. Further artists can be added here as the programme develops.
Inspiring spaces
Where the landscape
becomes part of the music.
From historic chapels to acoustically designed halls, riverside sessions and open-air rehearsals, the setting itself becomes part of the experience.
Music Venue
The Chapel
A historic setting for intimate musical experiences and rehearsals.
Music Venue
Margot Chamberlain Recital Hall
An acoustically designed performance and rehearsal space at the heart of the musical experience.
Safari
Nature Reserve
A spectacular South African setting for the luxury safari finale, game drives and evenings under African skies.
Your home in the Midlands
Exceptional hospitality.
Guests will stay within the beautiful Hilton College estate and selected accommodation in the surrounding Midlands, chosen for comfort, character and proximity to the retreat experience.
7Nights in the Midlands
3Meals prepared daily
1Luxury game reserve night
Swimming · Gym · Tennis · Squash · Golf practice · Walking routes · Dams · Gardens · Open spaces
The final chapter
Luxury safari.
One final song.
A premier South African game reserve. Evening and morning game drives. Sundowners. Dinner under African skies. Breakfast in the bush. Exceptional hospitality throughout.
There is no audience. No tickets. No performance.
Just one final song together.
Your Out of Africa experience
Everything is designed around the journey.
Music
- Daily choir rehearsals
- Guest conductor
- Expert vocal coaching
- Workshops & masterclasses
- Final performance
Hospitality
- 7 nights Midlands accommodation
- 1 night luxury game reserve
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
- Barista coffee & refreshments
- Welcome MCC & wine with dinner
Culture
- South African guest artists
- Traditional Zulu dancers
- African music workshops
- Cultural encounters
Safari
- Luxury overnight reserve stay
- Evening game drive
- Morning game drive
- Dinner & breakfast at the reserve
- Final song & celebration
Travel information
International and internal flights are not included. All ground transport is included, including return transfers from King Shaka International Airport.
Your African story
Starts here.
Nine days · World-class music · Authentic culture · Extraordinary friendships
Enquire about the experience ↗