Free Soweto concert to showcase Buskaid talent

Fresh from a resoundingly successful UK Tour, The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble will perform a free concert at home in Soweto, on 24 August at the Dutch Church.

Redefine Properties proudly sponsored the tour of the UK for the young and talented musicians of The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble in July. Redefine Properties' Head of Marketing and Communications, Marijke Coetzee says: Audiences are in for a real treat at this performance which willinspire and delight with a musical and visual showcase bursting with talent and featuring a wide range of music. Our sponsorship is part of Redefine's social investment and a natural extension of our continuing support of Buskaid, which develops musical talent and the gift to perform in disadvantaged children from Soweto.

The ten-day UK tour saw South Africa's brightest up-and-coming musicians perform concerts to full houses at Cheltenham Town Hall, St Georges in Bristol, Boughton House in Kettering, and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, as well as a fund-raising concert at the home of Sir Vernon Ellis who is Chair of the British Council. The young virtuosos delighted audiences with a selection of classical pieces, pop songs and uniquely South African township jives. The tour culminated in a flash-mob performance in London's bustling Trafalgar Square, making major news headlines on Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July.

The ensemble was directed by Rosemary Nalden MBE, who is founder of Buskaid and Director of the Buskaid Music Academy in Soweto. They were also joined by the world-renowned composer, Dr Karl Jenkins CBE. Nalden explains the tour successfully highlighted the wealth of musical talent and potential in South Africa, as each performance by the skilful 28 youngsters was met with enthusiastic applause and standing ovations. She adds: Buskaid gives its young members a brighter future with the opportunity to follow a career in music.

Currently, there are around 115 children and young people enrolled in the Buskaid Music School, and in addition to providing a musical education, it promotes life skills, knowledge transfer, as well as full- and part-time employment to 35 dedicated performers and teachers. Buskaid inspires residents of Soweto and audiences in Johannesburg, across South Africa and around the world, says Nalden.

Buskaid's Soweto concert is sponsored by Redefine and takes place on Sunday, 24 August at the Dutch Church, Zone 4, Diepkloof at 15h00

Check out the video of the Trafalgar Square flash mob here:

LINK:	http://www.thesouthafrican.com/free-soweto-concert-showcases-buskaid-t...
	See more stories from thesouthafrican

Most recent headlines