If you didn’t get ticket to that ‘other’ big concert happening this weekend, this is your chance to experience a groundbreaking concert series, African Chamber Music: Zimbabwean, South African, and Ghanaian Traditions Reimagined with Strings.
Co-presented by Time Will Tell Arts Society on December 7th in-person at the St. James Community Square in Vancouver, or via LiveStream, the concert is a musical celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage, and music of diverse African traditions.
This innovative project aims to showcase African music’s lesser-known, reflective side, moving beyond its famous rhythms and dances. By presenting traditional African music in a chamber setting with a string quartet, it expands the audiences experience of these rich cultures. This concert not only celebrates African musical heritage but also invites a rethinking of the string quartet’s role, addressing its historical ties to colonialism and promoting a more inclusive musical landscape.
The repertoire for African Chamber Music features the soulful mbira songs from Zimbabwe’s Shona people, the enchanting vocal traditions of Ghana’s Ewe community, and the ancient, rare bow music of South Africa’s Xhosa culture. Our talented artists include Kurai Mubaiwa (mbira, voice, percussion) from Zimbabwe, Kofi Gbolonyo (voice, percussion) from Ghana, and Dizu Plaatjies (uhadi, umrhube, percussion, voice) from South Africa. Each of these artists has an impressive background, performing on stages around the globe and deeply rooted in their musical traditions, ensuring a high-quality and authentic musical experience.
The pieces are arranged by Curtis Andrews, a seasoned musician who has dedicated over 20 years to studying and performing African music in North America and in various African countries. The concert will also feature string quartet of Meredith Bates (viola), Peggy Lee (cello), Parmela Attariwala (viola) and Joshua Zubot (violin).
Of special note is the presence of Dizu Mzikantu Plaatjies, coming from Cape Town, South Africa, for this project with support of a Canada Council for the Arts grant. Plaatjies has been a mainstay of traditional African music in Southern Africa for over 40 years and has been instrumental in promoting various Indigenous musical bows and their performers.
Discover the captivating sounds African Chamber Music: Zimbabwean, South African, and Ghanaian Traditions Reimagined with Strings for yourself on December 7th at 8pm at St. James Community Square – Mel Lehan Hall, 3214 West 10th Avenue. Find tickets for the live in-person concert or LiveStream event online at timewilltellarts.ca/african-chamber-music