Do not miss classical music tinged with kwela at the Buskaid concert at Linder Auditorium this weekend
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
Many a fan of classical music is looking forward to the forthcoming performing by Buskaid at Linder Auditorium. Their performances always give immense light and enjoy to the audience as they perform classics, but also inject South African elements by drawing from the country’s music heritage.
That perhaps should not surprise those that have been following the illuminating journey of this multi-award winning and critically acclaimed outfit led by Rosemary Nalden as most of its performers are drawn from the township of Soweto where there is a school dedicated to teaching classical music to the talented in the township. One such artist learner is Soweto born violinist Keabetswe Goodman who spoke to CITYLIFE/ARTS this week ahead of the show on Saturday at Linder Auditorium in Parktown at Wits.
Goodman is a graduate of the Dipkloof classical music school that belongs to Buskaid.
“I heard about Buskaid from my neighbours after the noticed that at home we had a violin that we only used for the purpose of decoration. MY mom took the violin and headed to Buskaid and that decision resulted in a ballooning career as a musician. I followed her footsteps, and my experience at the school is fantastic. WE never stop learning and experiencing the music. Practice is a daily ritual to keep the standard high. I am also a teacher at the school, and mastering the craft is passed on to a new generation of musicians.
Regarding my personal life, this experience has taught me a lot of things in life, most of which is the fact that when life is hard, keep on going and not to give up. Professionally I have grown and keep on doing so, playing with other orchestras for exposure. I play the violin and in fact it was the most chosen instrument in my class. I am now hooked to it.
The community is always amazed how we play mainly because classical music is not as well known or popular as amapiano in the community. I guess it is intriguing for them watching us play. But they are slowly learning through us. However times have changed and we now even experiment playing amapiano with our classical music instruments and the elements of the music is no longer a mystery.
The upcoming concert will be amazing, that I can assure. We have two violinist and one viola player playing a fantastic arrangement by Chevalier ST George infused with kwela – a township music genre. Afro pop will also be part of the line-up as well. You should not miss it.”
The Buskaid Ensemble is set to deliver a powerful musical experience to Johannesburg audiences, with their concert Bach to Boulogneat the Wits Linder Auditorium on 6 August. The talented ensemble will feature, among others, the music of 18th century French composer, Joseph Boulogne (Le Chevalier St Georges), the life of whom has recently been celebrated in the blockbuster film Chevalier.
Buskaid launched in 1992 to provide children from impoverished backgrounds with the opportunity to learn classical stringed instruments to the highest possible standards. Its professional orchestra comprises its top performers. Their unique playing style and repertoire has earned high accolades and a growing following on social media with comments and views from music lovers across the globe.
While the remarkable story of Boulogne’s life and music has only recently received the popular attention it deserves, his music has been no stranger to the Buskaid Ensemble, which first performed Concertante in G major – Allegro – Chevalier de Saint-George in 2012, the performance video of which has received close to 150 000 views on social media – view it here: https://youtu.be/VRBUA5rgaLs .
Boulogne was the son of a wealthy white landowner, Georges Boulogne de Saint Georges and Nanon, an African slave. He was a remarkable violinist, dancer, composer, swordsman, and later became a political activist. Born in Guadeloupe in 1745, he was brought to Paris where he grew up and by the age of 21, his multitude of skills in performance, composition, fencing, and discourse saw him become a “Chevalier” (French knight). He earned the “Black Mozart” moniker because his music was constantly compared to that of Mozart, although he was in fact born 11 years prior to Mozart and was far more likely to have been an influence on Mozart, with many believing his musical genius surpassed that of Amadeus (especially when he outplayed him in a violin duel).
Buskaid’s performance on 6 August offers soaring renditions of the 18th century French composer; extracts from an opera by baroque composer Jean-Philippe Rameau (one of Buskaid’s favourite composers), as well as Bach’s double violin concerto, and Gioachino Rossini’s first String Sonata.
It begins with Rameau’s Zoroastre, – a chance to hear extraordinary music never played in concert in South Africa. This will be followed by a performance of the Bach D major concerto for two violins featuring Khotso Langa and Mzwandile Twala, both of whom performed the first movement at the Linder Auditorium when they were just 14 years old! Now young adults, both Khotso and Mwzandile are regular performers with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
After a virtuoso performance of Chevalier St Georges’ Symphonie Concertante for two solo violins and viola, the programme ends with Rossini’s sparkling String Sonata No 1, composed in 1804, when Rossini was just 12 years old – a display of the violin and bass sections’ virtuosic skills.
Don’t miss the opportunity to spend a blissful Sunday afternoon immersed in what promises to be a profoundly stirring performance by The Buskaid Ensemble, whose talent and commitment, against many odds, have seen the young musicians rise to international acclaim through their inspiring, exciting, and life-affirming performances.