Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko is considered one of the greatest touring kora players. He joins Derek Gripper, a renowned South African guitarist, whose love of the kora set him to transcribing and recording some of its greatest works. In this collaboration, Sissoko and Gripper explore the ancient musical traditions of the griots of Mali.

The Art of the Kora: Derek Gripper & Ballaké Sissoko

Trustees' Garden

Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko has taken over the mantle of the greatest touring kora player. Derek Gripper is South Africa’s leading guitarist whose love of the kora set him transcribing and recording some of its greatest works, changing the face of classical guitar and giving the instrument its very first African repertoire. In this final concert in our French Touch series, Music Before 1800 partners with The World Music Institute to look at the unbroken musical tradition of the griots of Mali, through French occupation and colonization, and emerging as one of humanity’s most astonishing aural traditions.

Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper

Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Les Egarés more than a record. It's play space, a locus of musical life, a poetic asylum inhabited by two twosomes who for years have excelled in the art of cross-fertilising sounds and transcending genres.

Ballaké Sissoko

Events

Upcoming events

Nov 8, 2024

Sissoko, Segal, Parisien, Peirani: Les Egarés · Warwick Arts Centre

Past events

Mar 30, 2024

The Art of the Kora: Derek Gripper & Ballaké Sissoko · Savannah Music Festival

Mar 24, 2024

Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper · Gotham Early Music Scene

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