The touring teenagers from The KZN Midlands Youth Choir and Michaelhouse Boys Choir were at Old Trafford for a warm up performance ahead of a slot at the Llangollen International Festival. 

As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to a variety of performances representative of the Western and Southern African choral traditions. The Manchester United Foundation Youth Choir, which rehearses every week at the stadium, also performed a number of modern pop songs in a choral style. The Foundation Choir is made up of singers from across Greater Manchester and includes a number of local pupils who recently performed at the One Love Manchester concert with Ariana Grande.

It’s the second time that the choirs from the KwaZulu-Natal province have visited Manchester with many performers returning to the stadium two years on from their previous visit.

Manchester United Foundation chief executive John Shiels explained the importance of the event and the opportunities available to young singers across the region. “Both choirs are made up of amazing performers and have been kind enough to spend the day carrying out workshops with our young singers,” he said. “It’s been a really positive cultural exchange and there has been a lot of mutual respect shown between everyone performing.”

John added, “The Foundation choir has been running for over six years now and really provides an alternative to those who may not be so interested in football and sport. Our choir has also received some amazing opportunities across the season with regular performances on the Old Trafford pitch and at events around the country.”