The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble Annual Linder Concert back at Linder Auditorium -19 July 2026, at 3pm
These charismatic young musicians will take to the stage of the Linder Auditorium to showcase the extraordinary versatility, technical aplomb and intense musicality which is the hallmark of all Buskaid performances.
By City Life Arts Writer
The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble’s Annual Linder Concert is taking place on Sunday 19th July at 3:00PM
These charismatic young musicians will take to the stage of the Linder Auditorium to showcase the extraordinary versatility, technical aplomb and intense musicality which is the hallmark of all Buskaid performances. They have appeared on international stages 28 times (including the BBC Proms), and this year a group of them will visit the UK for a tour shortly after the Linder concert.
The programme includes some magical gems, rarely heard on the stage of the Linder Auditorium:
- Excerpts from operas by Buskaid’s favourite Baroque composer JP Rameau
- The first movement of Mozart’s Serenata Notturno featuring four young soloists from the same family
- Czardas by Monti, performed with virtuosic flare by Tshidiso Boikanyo
- Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei with exciting young cellist Koketso Mphela, and South Africa’s premier harpist, Gaylen Sales
- Telemann’s funky Grillen Symphonie, starring Buskaid’s two virtuoso solo double bass players
- A selection of Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes, the haunting Impromptu by Jean Sibelius, and Elgar’s exquisite Sospiri.
- Township Kwela, Afro-pop and Afro-jazz in vibey arrangements by Buskaid members
Buskaid has been offering string tuition of international standards in its own purpose-built Music School in Diepkloof, Soweto, since it was founded in 1997 by British viola player Rosemary Nalden. Rosemary and South African cellist Sonja Bass, who joined Buskaid in 1999, have taken a modest social development project, and over the past 29 years, created an organisation with a high international profile, offering training in both quality performance and string teaching.
Through Buskaid, many thousands of children have benefited from the impact of music education on their academic education, their leadership skills and their self-esteem. Many of these children come from difficult home circumstances and may be withdrawn and troubled; some have already experienced untold trauma in their young lives. The Buskaid ‘family’ offers a safe and nurturing environment which is both transformative and life changing.
Whilst current senior members are employed both within the school and within the local freelance community, many Buskaid alumni are working throughout South Africa as music educators and professional performers.
Concert details
Date: 19th July 2026
Time: 3pm
Tickets are available at QUICKET
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/369410-buskaid-at-the-linder/#/ from R230