Master kora player Yacouba Sissoko devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures. His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony. Stephenson Memorial Concert.
A New Zealand native, Benjamin Baker has moved audiences around the world with his musicianship. Described by the New York Times as bringing “virtuosity, refinement and youthful exuberance” to his debut at Merkin Concert Hall, he is much sought after as soloist and chamber musician. Currently a resident of London, Benjamin studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and with Natasha Boyarsky and Felix Andrievsky at the Royal College of Music. Benjamin plays a Giovanni Grancino violin from 1694. Stephenson Memorial Concert
The musicians and dancers of Flamenco Louisville, the oldest flamenco organization in the area, are Spanish-trained to bring you the most authentic flamenco in the puro tradition. Inclusive and community-oriented, Flamenco Louisville is dedicated to the life of their art form, and to having the arts as part of our lives. Flamenco, a participatory form of dance, grew organically out of folk dances and music in the Andalusian region of southern Spain and was first practiced by Romany people, most likely around small campfires. Performances typically include guitar solos, vocal performances and numerous dances, which may be accompanied by guitar, percussion, vocals or all three. Stephenson Memorial Concert.