Kora duo

On July 18, 2024, join us at the Loft at Hermit Woods in Meredith, NH for an experience of the history and magic of the West African Kora with world-renowned 71st-generation virtuoso Madou Sidiki Diabaté and Salif Bamakora.

The duo will explore and interpret the traditional repertoire of songs and stories of the jeli (or griots), the hereditary keepers of knowledge encoded in music.

Local performing artist Dave Kobrenski will provide an opening set featuring traditional Mandinka melodies performed on the tanbinfulé (also known as the Fula flute).

Don’t miss this unique show! Space is limited, so get your tickets in advance:

About the Musicians

Madou Sidiki Diabaté is a 71st generation kora master from Mali, and a hereditary jeli (or griot). He is the youngest son of the late Sidiki Diabaté, the “King of the Kora”.

Since 1997 Madou has filled his brother Toumani’s former position as lead kora for some of the best singers and musicians in West Africa, including Kandia Kouyaté, Ami Koita, Baaba Maal, Salif Keita, Sekouba “Bambino” Diabaté, and many others. He has performed at over 1000 concerts and more than 40 festivals throughout Africa, North America, Europe, and Australia. Madou has collaborated with artists such as Damon Albarn, Will Calhoun, and Brian Eno and continues to redefine the role of Kora in the traditional and modern world.

Salif Bamakora, aka Gordon Hellegers, has been playing kora for over twenty years and has been a primary student of Madou Sidiki Diabaté for over fifteen years. Salif is deeply versed in the traditional repertoire, histories, and cultural practices of Mande Djeliya and has become a skilled and experienced performer in concerts around the world. As a foundational member of the world music group SIMRIT and a periodic collaborator with Estas Tonne, Bamakora continues to explore the growing edges of contemporary kora music, from original composition to spontaneous improvisation concerts.

Dave Kobrenski is a musician, artist, and author known for his deep engagement with West African music and culture. He specializes in playing traditional West African instruments, particularly the Fula flute (a traditional wooden flute) and the djembé (a hand drum). Kobrenski has spent considerable time in West Africa, studying music and collaborating with local musicians. His work often focuses on preserving and promoting the rich musical traditions of the region.

Kobrenski’s contributions to the field of ethnomusicology and his dedication to cultural exchange have made him a respected figure in both the music and academic communities. His work often emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and the profound connections that music can create across different cultures.

A Listening Room Experience

Hermit Woods is excited to bring talented artists from New England and beyond to perform for you. Each performance will provide you with an intimate, up-close, and personal experience with the performing artists. We ask our audience please refrain from talking during the featured show. Your silence will allow the artists and the audience to immerse themselves in the experience, which is not otherwise possible in larger, noisier environments.

Doors open at 5:30 pm for a complimentary wine tasting. The Loft Doors open at 6:00.

We encourage you to arrive early for our wine tasting and enjoy food and wine before the show. Dinner will be served until 7:00 pm, drinks and dessert served during the performance.

When the featured artists takes the stage we will ask that the audience remain quiet during the performance. After the show, we invite you to interact with the artists and purchase any music or merchandise offerings if available.