Irvine Barclay Theatre: Ballaké Sissoko and Derek Gripper

Two Virtuosos, One Unforgettable Night!

“[Gripper’s] playing has a depthless beauty.” -Songlines Magazine

“It’s hard to imagine a more impressive and passionate rendering of Malian music on classical guitar.”- Afropop Worldwide

“[Ballaké Sissoko] is one of the most important musicians of his generation." -The Aga Khan Development Network

Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko and South Africa’s premier classical guitarist, Derek Gripper, reunite on the Barclay stage to recreate their acclaimed 2022 performances in Paris and London.

Despite not sharing a common spoken language, Ballaké and Derek communicate through their deep understanding of the kora—West Africa’s 21-string harp. Ballaké, born into a distinguished lineage of griots, embodies the instrument’s rich oral tradition, while Derek, a classical guitarist, has dedicated himself to transcribing and interpreting the works of these great African composers on the guitar.

Together, these two virtuosos transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, effortlessly improvising entire concerts. They weave new melodies with familiar ones, allowing the music to flow organically, blending diverse traditions into a singular, innovative musical expression.

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