Initiated by British viola player Rosemary Nalden 12 years ago to provide opportunities to budding classical musicians from the townships, the Buskaid project has gone on to produce a string ensemble that has built up a formidable reputation for high standards of performance.
The Buskaid Ensemble has played for former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, as well as Queen Elizabeth II, and soon Johannesburg residents will also be treated to two concerts - on Monday, 10 August 2009 at 3pm and on Saturday, 15 August 2009 at 8pm.
During these public performances, the young musicians will perform a sublime fusion of baroque, classical, romantic and light music, with spirited new kwela arrangements conceived by the Buskaid musicians themselves. Drawn from Diepkloof in Soweto, and with an average age of 18, these dynamic and gifted performers are guaranteed to lift your spirits and charm their way into your heart.
The programmes, which will be slightly different at each concert, will include the sparkling first movement of Bach's Third Brandenburg Concerto, a suite of dances by Henry Purcell in celebration of the 350th anniversary of the composer's birth, Bach's rarely performed Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 for two violas, four of Fritz Kreisler's bewitching Viennese compositions, Eric Satie's haunting Gymnopédies, Monti's virtuoso Czardas, and two songs by Paul McCartney.
Audiences are bound to be thrilled by the musicians' mastery of baroque style and all-round musicianship. The concerts will also mark the final performances for two Buskaid students, Kabelo Monnathebe and Tiisetso Mashishi, who have been awarded scholarships to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. These two bright stars of tomorrow will be among the featured soloists at the concerts, as will Simiso Radebe, Cecilia Manyama and Mathapelo Matabane.
Come along and see why the Buskaid Ensemble has been named by Gramophone Magazine as one of the world's most inspirational orchestras, alongside the likes of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.
The ensemble has also just performed in Botswana, has released a new CD titled Crazy, and continues to rack up acclaim and accolades around the globe.
Tickets for the Holy Trinity concerts cost R120, or R60 for pensioners and students. Block bookings of 10 or more pay a discounted price of R80 per ticket. Music aficionados are advised to book in advance at Computicket, as last year's concert was sold out, but, subject to availability , tickets may be purchased at the door.
The Holy Trinity Church is located at 16 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein (access from Jan Smuts Avenue/Bertha Street), and secure, guarded parking is available. Visit www.buskaid.org.za for more details.
