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, due to be released via Swiss label Claves Records on 26th May 2023.  African Rhapsodies is a magnificent, kora-led work, enhanced by the power of The BBC Concert Orchestra.

 

Seckou’s 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 traveled 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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On African Rhapsodies, Seckou Keita is joined by South African star cellist and vocalist Abel Selaocoe, outstanding double bass player Davide Mantovani and up and coming Gambian percussionist / kora player Suntou Susso.  These brilliant, international, special guest soloists are the perfect protagonists to harness the excellence of the BBC Concert Orchestra and Seckou and generate a new sound that only they could create.

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Forthcoming dates where African Rhapsodies will be performed include:

 

10 March 2023: Breaking Boundaries with Ulster Orchestra in Belfast (UK)

29 March - 1 April 2023: Into Africa with ONB in various venues, Britany  (France) 

23-25 November 2023: Into Africa with ONB in various venues, to be announced soon, Britany (France)

More will be announced soon. ..

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The work has been created thanks to amzing individuals including Chélima (management & prod) , Jackie Zammit (admin & marketing), Jean Hasse (score and parts settings), Tom Colvin (Editing and mixing), Klaus Scheuermann (mastering), Wild stag video production and many more ... as well as these amazing organisations: