Drayton Hall Elementary students performed a dream-inspired concert at Grace Church Cathedral
from Staff Reports
While Spoleto Festival USA and its little sister Piccolo Spoleto may not have much scheduled west of the Ashley River this year, West Ashley still found a place on the festival stage thanks to the young singers of the Drayton Hall Elementary Bobcat Chorale.
The student chorus performed on Tuesday, May 26, at Grace Church Cathedral downtown as part of the 2026 Piccolo Spoleto Music Series, offering audiences an evening of lullabies and dream-inspired songs from around the world.
Held inside the historic cathedral on Wentworth Street, the free concert featured music in English, German, and African languages, with selections ranging from familiar classical melodies inspired by composers like Brahms and Debussy to contemporary choral arrangements designed to showcase the warmth and imagination of children’s voices.
The performance invited audiences into what organizers described as “a world of dreams,” blending gentle harmonies, global influences, and nighttime-themed songs into a program intended to appeal to all ages.
For many in attendance, the concert also served as a reminder that some of the Charleston area’s strongest arts programming often begins in local schools and community music programs. While the larger Spoleto and Piccolo festivals tend to spotlight internationally known performers and downtown venues, events like the Bobcat Chorale concert highlighted the role young local artists continue to play within the broader cultural celebration.
The Drayton Hall Elementary Bobcat Chorale has become known for its spirited performances and commitment to music education, and Tuesday’s appearance gave the students an opportunity to perform as part of one of Charleston’s most recognized annual arts festivals.
Audience members filled the cathedral pews as the students delivered a program centered on comfort, imagination, and the universal connection of music across cultures. Donations were accepted at the door, though admission to the concert was free.
Though West Ashley may not always land the spotlight during festival season, the evening proved the community was still well represented — this time through the voices of local elementary school students singing beneath the soaring ceilings of one of Charleston’s most iconic churches.
