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Town Hall Seattle and SAMA: Music+Art present
Global Rhythms: Ballaké Sissoko and Derek Gripper
A New String Theory
Note: A livestream of this event will also be available.
A meeting between instruments, ready to break from tradition.
Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko, widely considered to be one of the greatest touring kora players, joins Derek Gripper, South Africa’s leading guitarist, whose love of the kora set him transcribing and recording some of its greatest works, to change the face of classical guitar and give the instrument its very first African repertoire.
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The dialogue between Ballaké Sissoko’s kora and Derek Gripper’s guitar is a summit of two master musicians operating at the highest peaks of their art. Sissoko’s kora traces its lineage through the once-powerful Kaabu Empire, spanning Gambia, southern Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau, while Gripper’s roots lie in European classical guitar. Their collaboration does not simply juxtapose these traditions; instead, they find common ground on a sonic terrain entirely their own.
As Sissoko and Gripper combine forces they take audiences across peaks and valleys of existence creating a new string theory that is singularly their own.
Global Atmosphere
Pre-Show Food and Beverages starting at 6PM
Starting at 6:00PM, mingle in the Lobby and enjoy food for purchase from Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen; specialty beverages will also be available at our cafe. Come early, get some dinner, and immerse yourself in the flavors of the culture before the show.
This is part of the Global Rhythms Series
In-Kind Media Support provided by KEXP.