The African Concert Series 2022

AFRICAN CONCERT SERIES AT WIGMORE HALL FEBRUARY 2022

No-one has done more than the prize-winning pianist Rebeca Omordia to promote African classical music and it is, therefore, with some justifiable pride that she is able to announce that her pioneering African Concert Series, now supported by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Grants, has joined Wigmore Hall’s Family of Partners with a day of concerts on February 5 2022 at the famous concert venue. Hall Director John Gilhooly “welcomed Rebeca’s inspiration and initiative.”

With her mixed heritage from Nigeria and Romania she is ideally qualified to bridge the gap between Western classical music and traditional African music. In 2019 she curated the widely acclaimed first series, since when it has now become an essential part of the London musical calendar. As Patron Julian Lloyd Webber puts it: “I was honoured to be asked by Rebeca to be Patron of her wonderful initiative The African Concert Series. Since its pioneering early days, it has gone from strength to strength and I look forward to hearing more fantastic music and performances during this new season.”

The 2022 AFRICAN CONCERT SERIES with cultural partner The Africa Centre and media partners Fourchiefs Media and Colourful Radio, kicks off on 25 January 2022, 7.30pm at the October Gallery, London based on music from Omordia’s new CD, “African Pianism” on the SOMM label.

This first concert features Rebeca Omordia herself together with Abdelkader Saadoun on percussion, with music by familiar names from earlier series such as Ayo Bankole and Christian Onyeji from Nigeria, Kwabena Nketia from Ghana, David Earl from South Africa and Nabil Benabdeljalil from Morocco, which feature on the new CD which will be available at the Concert.

The Series continues with events taking place at the October Gallery and The Africa Centre.

 3 February 2022, 6.30pm, The Africa Centre London – In Conversation

A panelled discussion featuring distinguished host Kenneth Tharp and African Art Music Pioneers, Rebeca Omordia, Glen Inanga, Leon Bosch and a special appearance by composer Fred Onovwerosuoke, ahead of the special day at Wigmore Hall on February 5.

February 5 African Concert Series special day at Wigmore Hall

12 March, 7.30pm, October Gallery, London – An Evening of Women Composers

A programme featuring songs and piano music by Women Composers of African descent including Errollyn Wallen, Shirley Thompson, Betty Jackson King, Maria Thompson Corley, Nkeiru Okoye and Kamilla Arku performed by female musicians Francesca Chiejina, soprano, Simone Ibbett-Brown, mezzo-soprano and Kamilla Arku, piano

April 21-23 IKLECTIK Art Centre, London

Festival by Nonclassical in collaboration with The African Concert Series will also partner Gabriel Prokofiev’s new independent British record label ‘Nonclassical’ for a two/three-day festival in April next year (details to follow).

Other dates include May 12 with String Quartets; a Family concert on June 4 at 11.0am at The Africa Centre; July 7 Chamber Music at the October Gallery. Further concerts to be announced in September and October.

Tickets will go on sale on 1 December via Eventbrite

The African Concert Series gratefully acknowledges the support of Arts Council England, Wigmore Hall, The Africa Centre London, Colourful Radio and Fourchiefs Media Productions.