The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble was planning an in-person visit to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) when the pandemic hit. Their visit is temporarily on hold, but Buskaid - A Musical Miracle: Brilliant Baroque to Cool Kwela! is a series of five on-demand concerts providing a wonderful introduction to this inspiring musical group.

Jersey Arts producer Susan Wallner talks to Marc Uys, the executive director of the PSO (and a South African native), and to Julian Grant, a composer and Princeton resident, about a transformative visit they made to the Buskaid School in South Africa in 2019. The upcoming concerts feature Buskaid-trained soloists performing classical, pop, and uniquely South African music. Beginning January 29-31, the Buskaid concerts will be released every month through May 2021.

Photos in header (clockwise from top left): Buskaid Music School 2019; Tiisetso Mashishi - Viola CREDIT Graham De Lacy; Marc Uys, Rosemary Nalden, Buskaid representative, Julian Grant; Buskaid Ensemble busk linder CREDIT Graham De Lacy; Melvyn Tan - Pianist - Buskaid Ensemble CREDIT Graham De Lacy

 

COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Light the Room" by The Extensions

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Light the Room," the latest single from Asbury Park-based The Extensions.

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 01/15/2026

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 13-19, 2026

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Destiny" by Never the Name