Classical string ensemble will serve your ears

Imagine a little classical string ensemble emerging from a tiny corner of South Africa’s biggest township and taking the world by storm. That is the success story of the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble; affectionately known simply as ‘Buskaid’ by its supporters.

Now Gauteng audiences have the chance to hear and see this remarkable group of highly talented young musicians as they perform at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown on 21 July at 3pm.

Many of these young musicians battle with difficult circumstances in their everyday lives and Buskaid not only gives these young people a chance to develop their talent and access employment, but it also transforms their lives through the medium of music.

Buskaid, which is based in Diepkloof, Soweto has now entered its 22nd year. In that time, the Buskaid Ensemble has travelled the world 26 times to huge international acclaim. It’s the only South African orchestra to have played at the BBC Proms and was subsequently named as one of the world’s 10 most inspirational orchestras by the UK’s Gramophone Magazine.

Audiences will get a chance to hear the first movement of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachmusik, Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) by Pablo de Sarasate, featuring young Buskaid virtuoso violinist Mzwandile Twala, followed by the focal point of the afternoon; a very unusual performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in which four different Buskaid solo violinists will be featured, two past members and two present.

Two current students, Khotso Langa and Mzwandile Twala will play Spring and Winter respectively, whilst Kabelo Motlhomi and Samson Diamond, both founder members, and both of whom have long since left Buskaid to forge highly successful musical careers, will play Summer and Autumn. The classical part of the programme ends with Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No 10, a sparkling, tuneful one-movement work which Mendelssohn wrote when he was about 13.

As always, the young Buskaid musicians will then embark on the lighter part of the programme, featuring an amazing line-up of Buskaid singers in some classic pop songs, and rounding off the afternoon with vibrant Kwela arrangements, unique to Buskaid.

The main sponsors of the concert are Redefine Properties, Total South Africa, Classic1027(in kind), BASA.

Details: bookings can be made at Computicket or call 011 340 8000 with tickets from R180 to R280.

Invite us to local community events by email to the Editor ashtynm@caxton.co.za

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