Experience the rare yet captivating combination of two of world music’s most mesmerising instruments: the Chinese pipa, and the West African kora. Infused within these stringed instruments are the histories and traditions of their respective cultures – shared by the artists through skilfully conducted musical conversations.
Presented in association with Talking Gigs
Gao Hong is a renowned Chinese pipa master, composer, and performer. Having already received accolades such as the Beijing Art Cup, she graduated from Beijing’s esteemed Central Conservatory of Music after studying with pipa master Lin Shicheng. She soon moved to the United States, where she has performed at multiple notable festivals and concerts and continued to amass an impressive array of awards and honours. Gao is a recipient of the prestigious Bush Artist Fellowship, a 2018 Sally Award, and became the only artist in any genre to be awarded five McKnight Artist Fellowships for Performing Musicians. Also the author of the first English language pipa method book, Gao’s career is as colourful and varied as her music. A luminary steeped in the art of collaboration, Gao has performed across the globe and visited genres such as Afro-American jazz, bluegrass, klezmer, and pop, to name just a few. Long fascinated by the kora, Gao’s innate musical curiosity led her to be put in touch with Kadialy.
Kadialy Kouyate is a Senegalese musician, singer, songwriter, and teacher. Born to a family rich in griot tradition, Kouyate has honed the art of traditional storytelling. The study of past heritage and his own instinctive talent helps conjure hypnotic and uplifting rhythms masterfully relayed through the kora and his hauntingly evocative vocals. A committed educator, Kadialy began teaching the kora at Dakar University in Senegal. Upon moving to the UK his passion for sharing knowledge continues as a tutor at the SOAS University of London. Kouyate has also become a significant player in the London music scene. His contribution adding a griot flavour to the city’s vibrant multicultural musical mixing pot. In 2012, he toured with the Royal Shakespeare Company on their unique production of Julius Caesar, performing across the UK, Moscow, and the United States. Beyond music, Kadialy was part of the remake of the classic TV mini-series Roots as a performer, cultural consultant, and dialect coach.
The unique Talking Gigs format promises a spellbinding evening of discovery, with these wonderful musicians exploring their cultural backgrounds and how they ended up collaborating. The enjoyment of the all-music second half will be enhanced by an informed appreciation of the music.
Performing their album Terri Kunda, Hong and Kouyate merge their considerable talents. Pipa meets kora. Cultures and histories entwine in melodious rhythms. Spontaneous creativity abounds.
Doors 7, Start 7.30pm
