From the producers of recent smash-hit projects Billy Cobham & Asere and Catrin Finch & Cimarron comes another stunning music collaboration featuring two world class virtuosos. This exceptional event will launch at Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan on Monday 26th March before going on tour to Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon), Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff (Co-promoted by RWCMD / Theatr Mwldan / Chapter), William Aston Hall, (Glyndwr Unversity, Wrexham) and Taliesin Arts Centre (Swansea) as part of a 5 date tour of Wales in March 2012.
Catrin and Toumani are from two very different cultures: the landlocked and mostly flat southern Saharan nation of Mali is one of the poorest in the world yet produces some of the most sublime music on Earth; in contrast, the lush, green valleys and soaring mountains of Wales are familiar to us all.
The harp occupies a vital place in the incredibly rich culture of both nations. The West African harp – the kora – played by Toumani is made from a dried gourd and fishing line; the Welsh harp, played by Catrin, is one of the most iconic symbols of a nation steeped in music.
‘What a unique and exciting project this is – we are so privileged to welcome such a distinguished musician as Toumani to Wales to play with Catrin, one of our own most celebrated artists. Audiences will be incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to experience what we believe to be a world music first between the nations of Mali and Wales,’ says Dilwyn Davies, Director of Theatr Mwldan and co-producer of the project.
Toumani Diabaté is one of Africa’s most important musicians and widely considered the world’s finest living kora player. A performer of exceptional virtuosity and creativity, his pedigree goes back through 71 generations of kora players, from father to son. He has collaborated with Damon Albarn, Taj Mahal, Bjork and the late, great Ali Farka Touré with whom he won a Best Traditional World Music Album GRAMMY Award in 2006.
Catrin Finch is one of Wales’ leading international musical ambassadors. The “Queen of Harps”, Catrin was Royal Harpist to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales from 2000-2004. Her concert appearances with the world’s top orchestras span the globe and she has worked with artists including Bryn Terfel, Sir James Galway and Julian Lloyd-Webber. Catrin’s highly successful recent collaboration with Colombian harp-based band Cimarron toured Wales three times.
Tickets for Catrin Finch and Toumani Diabaté are £16 (£15) – please see tour venue websites to book.
Supported by the Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales.
Touring Wales March 2012
26.03.12 @ 7.30pm Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan
27.03.12 @ 7.45pm Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
28.03.12 @ 8.00pm Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff
Co-promoted by RWCMD / Theatr Mwldan / Chapter
30.03.12 @ 7.30pm William Aston Hall, Glyndwr Unversity, Wrexham
31.03.12 @ 7.30pm Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea
