Buskaid Soweto String Project gets substantial grant

Established by British viola player Rosemary Nalden in Diepkloof, Soweto, in 1997, it offers high quality string tuition to less privileged youngsters. The grant has enabled it to increase its numbers to 85 children who benefit from the project.

In addition to the funding or partial funding of learnerships, teacher training and public performances, the grant will help cover the services provided by Nalden and Sonja Bass, a professional cellist and member of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. The training provided is of an international standard, with students expected to work hard to produce top-quality results.

Another area benefiting from the funding will be cultural development, which seeks to expand its scope from being solely a string project to incorporate elements such as dance and singing.

In 2009, the Buskaid Ensemble was listed by Gramophone Magazine in the UK as one of the world's 10 most inspiring orchestras. Go to www.buskaid.org.za for more details.