Programme
- African Rhapsodies
- Unconditionally
- Faiya!
- New work for Piano and Orchestraworld premiere
Performers
- Konya Kanneh-Masonpiano
- Davide Mantovanidouble bass
- Suntou Sussopercussion
- Anthony Paul Weedenconductor
About This Event
The kora is the living heart of West African classical music, and Seckou Keita has been called âthe Hendrix of the koraâ â though as heâs quick to point out, his artistry spans genres and cultures. âI donât know if Iâm a folk musician, a jazz or a world oneâ, he said, upon being named Musician of the Year at ±«Óătv Radio 2âs 2019 Folk Awards. âForget about categories. My music is just music from the soulâ.
Tonight, heâs crossing borders again: sharing the stage with cellist-vocalist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, with Nottingham neighbour Konya Kanneh-Mason (piano), with the beats of Suntou Susso (percussion) and with the groove of Davide Mantovani (double bass). Keita's African Rhapsodies introduces the kora to the symphony orchestra and asks what Bach or Beethoven might have written, had they travelled to Africa. Few artists are better-placed to imagine the answer â or bring it to dazzling, emotionally-charged life.