(Christian
Ashley-Botha)
Former Head of Music at the Drakensberg Boys’
Choir School for 25 years, Christian Ashley-Botha, died of kidney failure at
his home near the school on December 6. He had just turned 70 on November 30.
Born in Mossel Bay and educated at Bishops in
Cape Town, Ashley-Botha was known by his childhood nickname “Bunny”. Passionate
about choral music from his school years, he went on to study at the University
of the Free State and the Royal School of Church Music in London. He was also
an Associate of the Royal College of Music.
Acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to
choral music, Ashley-Botha was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga by former
president Thabo Mbeki in 2006. He trained many young choristers who went on to
have international music careers, took the choir to the Vatican to sing for
Pope John Paul II and raised the choir to an international level as they toured
the world.
He leaves his wife, Bettie, and children Nan,
Mau and Mandy.
Posts
