You’ve got great taste.
Sign in to follow your favorite artists, save events, & more.
Sign In
Get Tickets
Tickets
About this concert
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Derek Gripper, a guitarist who redefines the boundaries of classical music. Renowned for his innovative technique that evokes the rich sounds of the West African Kora (21 string harp), Gripper masterfully blends the intricate music of great African composers including Toumani Diabaté and Ali Farka Touré alongside the timeless compositions of Arvo Pärt and J.S. Bach.
Gripper’s transformative journey began with his album One Night on Earth, where he translated the captivating sounds of kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté onto the guitar. Celebrated guitarist John Williams noted, “It seemed absolutely impossible until I heard Derek Gripper do it.” Derek’s interpretations not only showcase his virtuosity but also incorporate lessons from the oral traditions of West Africa, creating a dialogue between cultures.
Show More
Find a place to stay
Upcoming concerts from similar artists
Live Photos
View All Photos
What fans are saying
Alison
January 19th 2025
The mic on the oud seemed low? But the concert was lovely and Derek’s virtuosity continues to impress!
Washington, DC@Nolan Center for the Performing Arts
Easily follow your favorite artists by syncing your music
Sync Music
Share Event
Derek Gripper Biography
Derek Gripper is a globally renowned South African guitarist who has rewritten the narrative of classical guitar by infusing it with the sounds of the West African kora.
Gripper’s transformative journey began with the release of “One Night on Earth,” his translations of the music of kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté. Celebrated classical guitarist John Williams said it seemed “absolutely impossible until I heard Derek Gripper do it,” leading to collaborations with this icon of the guitar at London’s Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as a collaboration with Toumani Diabaté at The Festival Acoustik in Bamako, Mali. Even Gripper’s debut at the revered Carnegie Hall saw him performing alongside Mali’s Trio da Kali, an endorsement of his revolutionary approach.
Recent recordings like “A Year of Swimming,” “Billy Goes to Durban,” and his latest album with kora master Ballaké Sissoko, introduce original compositions and improvisations, each a testament to his dedication to evolving and challenging his musical style. Moreover, his recordings of the solo works of J.S. Bach have been a fascinating study in the symbiosis of African music and early European melodies, revealing the freedom and universality of one of Europe’s great improvising musicians.
"A New African String Theory" captures the essence of the human experience in the importance of rediscovering ourselves through dialogue.
The great Malian kora player Toumani passed away unexpectedly in July of 2024. To commemorate the passing of one of Africa’s great virtuosos, Derek will perform the five compositions off Toumani’s debut album “Kaira” in a brand new, never before performed, rendition of these classics of the West African repertoire.
Read MoreGripper’s transformative journey began with the release of “One Night on Earth,” his translations of the music of kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté. Celebrated classical guitarist John Williams said it seemed “absolutely impossible until I heard Derek Gripper do it,” leading to collaborations with this icon of the guitar at London’s Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as a collaboration with Toumani Diabaté at The Festival Acoustik in Bamako, Mali. Even Gripper’s debut at the revered Carnegie Hall saw him performing alongside Mali’s Trio da Kali, an endorsement of his revolutionary approach.
Recent recordings like “A Year of Swimming,” “Billy Goes to Durban,” and his latest album with kora master Ballaké Sissoko, introduce original compositions and improvisations, each a testament to his dedication to evolving and challenging his musical style. Moreover, his recordings of the solo works of J.S. Bach have been a fascinating study in the symbiosis of African music and early European melodies, revealing the freedom and universality of one of Europe’s great improvising musicians.
"A New African String Theory" captures the essence of the human experience in the importance of rediscovering ourselves through dialogue.
The great Malian kora player Toumani passed away unexpectedly in July of 2024. To commemorate the passing of one of Africa’s great virtuosos, Derek will perform the five compositions off Toumani’s debut album “Kaira” in a brand new, never before performed, rendition of these classics of the West African repertoire.
African
Classical Crossover
Guitar Virtuoso
Instrumental
Follow artist