The kora is the living heart of West African classical music, and Seckou Keita has been called “the Hendrix of the kora” – though as he’s quick to point out, his artistry spans genres and cultures. “I don’t know if I’m a folk musician, a jazz or a world one”, he said, upon being named Musician of the Year at BBC Radio 2’s 2019 Folk Awards. “Forget about categories. My music is just music from the soul”.

Tonight, he’s 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), whose 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 – or bring it to dazzling, emotionally-charged life.

PROGRAMME
Seckou Keita  African Rhapsodies
Ayanna Witter Johnson Unconditionally
Ayanna Witter Johnson Faiya!
Isata Kanneh-Mason New work for Piano and Kora
Isata Kanneh-Mason New work for Piano & Orchestra world premiere

ARTISTS
Seckou Keita: kora/voice
Konya Kanneh-Mason: piano
Ayanna Wiiter-Johnson: cello/voice
Davide Mantovani: double-bass
Suntou Susso: percussion
Anthony Weeden: conductor
BBC Concert Orchestra