The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble’s UK Tour - Bristol - 11.07.14

Inspiring musicians celebrate South African anniversary, in what promises to be one of the feel-good concerts of the year, the talented youngsters of the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble share the joy of music-making with a programme of classical repertoire, plus traditional South African ‘kwela’ and gospel songs.

With 115 enrolled members aged 15-24, many faced seriously challenging times as Apartheid raged on, but music and democracy prevailed and with the twentieth anniversary of South Africa’s democratic freedom being celebrated this year, the string ensemble travels to the UK for a very special concert at St George’s Bristol.

Soweto Strings, a film about the project directed by local filmmaker Mark Kidel, is also being screened at the Watershed on 1 July.  Mark is sure the ensemble will be warmly welcomed in Bristol:

“The unique intimacy and acoustic of St George’s are ideal for the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble. Although they went down a storm at the Albert Hall for the Proms a few years back, the contagious charm and bubbling vitality they communicate so powerfully will almost certainly be helped by the qualities of the building and the proximity to an audience that shows its enthusiasm with such an open heart.”

Voted one of the world’s most inspirational groups, the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble has sprung from a remarkable initiative which for over 15 years has given hundreds of township youngsters the chance to learn a classical instrument and to combat hardship. The ensemble has played in the presence of numerous dignitaries, not least Nelson Mandela and Michelle Obama.

As part of a UK tour marking the 20th anniversary of democracy in South Africa, this extraordinary ensemble of some 30 young musicians demonstrates its talents in a programme that ranges from classical music by Baroque composer Rameau through to classic pop songs such as ‘At Last’ and African Kwela and Gospel music. A guaranteed feel-good event.

Click here for details on full programme