West African Kora Concert

Sean Gaskell will give a performance and educational demonstration on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa. He will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the kora’s musical repertoire. 

Gaskell first heard a live kora performance in 2006. That performance by Kane Mathis, who would become Gaskell's first teacher, inspired him to immerse himself in the music of the kora and travel to its homeland in West Africa. The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots, often called Jalis or Jelis. Many songs tell stories of war, hardship, love or loss while presenting the history and fabric of Mande society, of which the instrument originates. Visits to Brikama, Gambia, West Africa provided Gaskell the opportunity to study the kora under Moriba Kuyateh and his father, the late Malamini Jobarteh. Gaskell has presented adult, youth and family programs at more than 350 libraries and a multitude of K-12 schools, colleges, universities and assisted-living facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

Register below for reminder emails for this event. Registration is not required for this event.