Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble in concert at Southbank Centre
The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble is internationally renowned for its stylistic approach to baroque, classical and romantic repertoire, as well as for its own vibrant and original arrangements of South African Kwela and Gospel music. Made up of 30 young musicians drawn from less privileged communities, the Ensemble will showcase their musical versatility in a London concert on 16 July.
On Wednesday 16 July 7.30pm the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble will perform a concert of classical music, classic pop and township kwela music at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre.
Made up of 30 young musicians drawn from less privileged communities, the Ensemble will showcase their musical versatility.
Buskaid, a charitable trust registered in both South Africa and the UK, helps children in Soweto to learn and play classical music.
The trust believes that all children in the townships of South Africa should be given the opportunity to channel their creative energies and talents through learning and playing to the highest international standards.
Directed by Buskaid’s founder, British viola player Rosemary Nalden MBE, the Ensemble is now internationally renowned for its stylistic approach to baroque, classical and romantic repertoire, as well as for its own vibrant and original arrangements of South African Kwela and Gospel music.
The Ensemble will be joined on stage by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins CBE, who conducts a performance of his Soweto Suite for Strings, which he gave to Buskaid in 2012.
Both Karl Jenkins and Rosemary Nalden celebrate their 70th birthdays this year.
Before the concert, inside the venue at 6.15pm, Buskaid founder Rosemary Nalden will discuss the Buskaid Soweto String Project with Petroc Trelawny. (Free)
This event is in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Society.
Performers:
- Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble
- Rosemary Nalden director
- Karl Jenkins conductor
- Simiso Radebe violin
- Cecelia Manyama vocals
- Mathapelo Matabane vocals
- Tumi Mapholo vocals
They will perform:
- Jean-Philippe Rameau: Suite from Castor et Pollux & Les Indes Galantes
- Georg Muffat: Passacaglia from Sonata No.5 in G from Armonico tributo
- Johannes Brahms: Liebeslieder Waltzes, Op.52a Nos.4, 5, 17, 18, 10 & 11 arr. Friedrich Hermann
- Jenö Hubay: Csárda Scene No.4, Hejre Kati (Hey Katie!), Op.32 for violin & orchestra
- Interval
- Karl Jenkins: Soweto Suite for strings
- Classic pop songs featuring Buskaid vocalists
- African Kwela and Gospel arr. by Buskaid musicians
Prices:
£25 £20 £15 £10
Book on:
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/the-buskaid-soweto-string-ense-83178
For any general enquiries please call Esther Wright at the Buskaid Trust on 01952 371476 or email esther.wright@buskaid.co.uk
Photo by Graham de Lacy
