March 19, 2024

Music of the West African Kora comes to Newton

Professional musician, Sean Gaskell, will give a performance and educational demonstration on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa.

The Kora is native to the Mande people who live within the countries of Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Guinea Bissau. The music is traditionally played by oral and musical historians known as Griots. The Kora is a melodic and seemingly peaceful instrument, which is somewhat contrary to its musical repertoire. Many songs tell ancient stories of war and hardship, while others praise people of high political status and those who helped expand the Mande Empire.

Some of the commonly played songs can be traced back to the Mande empires’ founding, 800 years ago. Gaskell has been featured at numerous festivals in the U.S., Gambia and Senegal. The concert will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the kora’s musical repertoire in addition to some of his own personal compositions.

The performance will take place at 6 p.m. May 1 at the Newton Public Library. The program is family-friendly, free, and open to the public. For more information, contact Public Services Librarian, Becca Klein, at 641-792-4108.