SOWETO STRINGS tells  the extraordinary and moving story of an outstanding music project in Soweto.  Established in 1997 by British viola player Rosemary Nalden, the Buskaid  project, which gives local township children the opportunity to learn classical  stringed instruments virtually free of charge, has transformed the lives of  many youngsters and produced musicians of international quality. Under Rosemary  Nalden’s direction, the Buskaid Ensemble has played in many of the world’s most  prestigious concert halls, and its performance at the 2007 BBC Proms in London  won it unanimous critical acclaim. In 2009 Gramophone magazine identified the  Ensemble as one of the world’s ten most inspiring orchestras.

Crazy, which certainly marks a  shift from the style of previous Buskaid recordings is finally  available! This compilation of Timothy Kraemer’s brilliant and original string  arrangements of favourite classic pops including Mamma Mia, Sweet Dreams and many others, also includes several witty  arrangements by Bill Thorp, of Broadway hits such as Let’s Do It and Makin’  Whoopee. Three of the ensemble’s musicians also feature as vocal soloists  in such favourites as Georgia, Fever, Son of a Preacherman and Bridge over Troubled Water . The fresh and  energetic sounds of this wonderful group of  musicians are complemented by stunning packaging designed by London-based SA  designer Aubrey Kurlansky.

Buskaid Live!, a compilation of extraordinary live international performances by the
Buskaid Ensemble between 2001 and June 2005 was released in late 2005.

This double album features a breathtaking rendition of Grieg’s Holberg Suite,
as well as the romantic slow movement of the Elgar Serenade, recorded in
Southwark Cathedral in 2002 by the Ensemble under the baton of Sir John Eliot Gardiner,
who won the prestigious Gramophone Award for 2005. In addition,
the internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink sings Handel arias
and Spirituals in a performance recorded in London in 2001.

Also featured are talented soloists from within the Ensemble, including
the charismatic vocalist Teboho, the wonderfully earthy singer Mathapelo, exciting
lead violinists Samson and Kabelo, and the haunting sounds of cellist Innocentia.

The Buskaid Ensemble’s collection of its own magical Kwela
arrangements - including a number of stunning vocal solos - was
recorded at the Snape Maltings in July 2002.

“This recording is a complete joining of happiness, spirit and rhythm,
and hence it is called Tshwaranang (Unite). This CD unifies our
predecessors, our contemporaries and the Buskaid Ensemble with
anyone and everyone who purchases this CD. However, the whole
production of the CD went too quickly for me....and although it
was just work-work-work, it gave an insight to everybody’s capabilities
of achieving good results in a short space of time.”
Samson Diamond, Leader

Buskaid and the members of the Ensemble are indebted to
De Beers and Nedbank for their generous sponsorship of Tshwaranang,
which was launched at the magnificent Nedbank Atrium in
Sandton on 10 July 2003.

Recorded in Johannesburg in April 2000, this CD is a collection of
mostly traditional dance music from around the world - English, Irish,
Gypsy American Bluegrass and our very own African Kwela, arranged
by the Buskaid players themselves.

Pachelbel’s Canon and Albinoni’s Adagio are also included on this CD
and provide the listener with not only a wonderful insight into the players’
stylistic flair but also that rich African sound unique to Buskaid.

Buskaid’s first CD, recorded eighteen months after the Project’s inception
All proceeds from the sale of this CD go directly to the Buskaid Trust

Also available from leading record stores and the Buskaid Office +27 (11) 442 9676