Ballaké Sissoko is a seminal improviser with an ability to unlock every possible nuance on the kora with subtleties rarely heard on any instrument – let alone the kora, which is over 700 years old. Derek Gripper’s love of the kora set him transcribing and recording some of the greatest works of the instrument, changing the face of classical guitar and giving the instrument its very first African repertoire. Derek and Ballaké first met in 2022 in Paris, to perform a unique show together of completely improvised music. They returned to the stage in London a month later, and then to the recording studio for a full-length album.

Their performances and recordings are all achieved without any verbal communication, just a mutual love of their shared repertoire and the possibilities of the plucked string.

“It isn’t often that you hear music that is quite literally unlike anything else you’ve heard before, but that is the case with Ballaké Sissoko and Derek Gripper.”  

                                — Dave McNally, KLOF Mag

Presented by World Class Music Live and the Raven Performing Arts Theater.

Doors for this concert open 30 minutes prior to showtime. COVID vaccinations and N95 face masks are recommended but no longer required to see performances at the Raven. See the homepage for information on measures the Raven has implemented to improve air filtration and ventilation inside the theater.