Nottingham-based Senegalese kora virtuoso Seckou Keita is a special talent – a world-class musician, a griot (praise singer), composer, a percussionist master and a pioneer in his field – he’s a rarity, seated in tradition whilst constantly pushing the boundaries of his art.

Lakeside Arts is providing funds, facilities, promotion and technical expertise in the development of his new musical adventures, starting with his magnificent forthcoming project, African Rhapsodies, an enchanting work for kora and orchestra with a world prèmiere taking place at Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham on 1 March 2023.

For this ground-breaking performance, Seckou is joined by the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests including Abel Selaocoe (cello and voice), Suntou Susso (percussion) and Davide Mantovani (arrangement and double bass). It is guaranteed to showcase a whirlwind of virtuosity and, above all, to take us on a sublimely poetic and magical journey where music is pure emotion.

We are thrilled that Seckou will also be engaging with our Nottingham and University community, beginning with a session on improvisation techniques with University of Nottingham music students on Tuesday 15 November 2023. With much more in the pipeline, this promises to be an enriching and exciting residency for all.