Vocalist

Nottingham based Senegalese composer and kora player Seckou Keita is proud to present African Rhapsodies: an epic project created in collaboration with Italian composer and musician Davide Mantovani. This enchanting work for kora and orchestra celebrates Africa’s magical 22-stringed harp and gives it the position of prominence granted for centuries to the violin, piano and flute. It makes us wonder if Bach or Beethoven might have composed for kora had they travelled to Africa in their lifetime. Seckou builds on that notion by way of his own imagination, which is greatly sparked by his lengthy fascination with crossing cultural borders. The result is a majestic work showcasing a whirlwind of virtuosity, but above all a sublime poetic journey where music is pure emotion.

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African Rhapsodies

Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Seckou Keita: African Rhapsodies at the Town Hall, Birmingham, on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at 7:30pm. This extraordinary concert will showcase the mesmerizing combination of the kora—a traditional multi-stringed African instrument—with the full majesty of the orchestra, creating evocative Rhapsodies that promise to be simply beautiful.

Seckou Keita, renowned for his mastery of the kora, will lead this sublime set, taking you on a journey through a series of compositions that are evocative, poetic, and joyful. The program includes pieces such as "The Future Strings Variation," "Simply Beautiful Miro," "Tatono’s Path," "Ode to Kanou," "Tamala’s Caravan Trail," "The Shadow Left by the Invisible Man," "L'Epopee Mande-Arab," and "Bamba, the Light of Touba."

Under the baton of conductor Clark Rundell, with special guest artist Suntou Susso, this concert is a celebration of African music and its rich heritage, not to be missed.

Tickets are priced at £26 and £38, with a per-ticket commission of £3.50 included for tickets priced over £15. This event is part of our multi-buy discount, and we offer reduced ticket prices for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients, making it accessible to everyone.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the powerful fusion of the kora and the orchestra, bringing to life the vibrant spirit of Africa in the heart of Birmingham. Book your tickets now for Seckou Keita: African Rhapsodies and be part of a truly magical night.

Seckou Keita: African Rhapsodies

Birmingham Town Hall

A large scale multi-media event featuring a varied range of traditional and early music from Europe, Morocco and West Africa tracing routes followed by migrating birds. Includes the world premiere of a new commission by Jeremy Avis.

Vocalist

Suntou Susso

Events

Past events

Feb 8, 2025

African Rhapsodies · Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Nov 27, 2024

Seckou Keita: African Rhapsodies · City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

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