The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble's first official performance took place in February 1997.
Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble founder Rosemary Nalden said she and her team were ready to dazzle audiences at this year's annual concert.
The annual concert will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Braamfontein on Saturday 17 August.
This year's concert promises a diverse and fascinating mix of classical and contemporary music.
talk CitizenThe 80-year-old said audiences can expect a rich tapestry of sound, from Biber's historical pieces to the lively beats of the Amapiano.
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Nalden talks inclusivity and great performances
Nalden said this year's concert, influenced by the integration of young students and the election of new Buskaid leaders, will feature folk music and inspirational songs by Black American composer Florence Price.
The concert will also feature a moving performance of Ernst Bloch's “Nigun” by new leader Tshidiso Boikanyo and others.
When asked what influenced this year's selection, Nalden said, “This year we wanted to choose a program that was accessible to everyone, from new members who are 13 all the way up to our older members.”
She added: “There will be some folk music from other countries as well, which is great because it connects with the musical energy of the towns we play in. Plus, because we're performing during Women's Month this year, we've chosen some very moving and well-known pieces by black American composer Florence Price.”
“Speaking of black composers, we'll return to an old favorite, Chevalier Saint-Georges, and perform his Overture to the Ballet.”
This year's concert will showcase the team's talents in arranging and performing on the Amapiano, with an energetic and popular finale tradition.
She said embracing the amapiano genre would be a new venture for Buskaid.
“Over the years, our young musicians have produced kwela, gospel, Afro-jazz and Afro-pop. This year, with Amapiano, they will take the lead by listening and arranging everything. Either way, we have traditionally made every concert light-hearted, energetic and rallying to a populist climax.”
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Development of a new music centre
Nalden said future plans include working with one of his former students to develop a new music centre in Diepkloof.
She added: “We also know that we must continue to expand our reach in the community to ensure generations of children have access to quality string instrument instruction.
“Right now we have a lot of young starters, and quite a few of them are very talented.”
Nalden said she hopes to spread Buskaide's influence across South Africa, leaving behind a lasting legacy of her passion for music and a successful career in both performance and education.
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