Global Spring: Global Choir
The drums do remember. Global Choir and Senegalese sabar poets.
From message to the melody
In Senegalese culture, poems have a direct connection to drumming and dancing. Senegalese drums called sabar and tama can imitate language to such a level, that in ancient times they were used to communicate precisely between long distances. The West African griots, the storytellers, and keepers of oral tradition made it possible. In modern society, thanks to their deep understanding of cultural heritage, the griots have an important role as educators and advocates of good values. Their art passes these messages through poems performed on sabar rhythms (Tassu), which are then transformed into drum breaks that follow the rhythm and intonation of the poem (Bakk). The bakk can be danced to, and as a result is a unique form of art that combines all these elements into a cheerful show that is known to be one of the foundations of rap music.
Hommage to a departed master drummer
Master sabar player Ndongo Diop was one of the few authors of both Bakk and Tassu. His work deserves to be passed on to future generations and educational material featuring his work will be published in the concert. All the drummers in the ensemble (Yamar Thiam, Yirim Gueye and Gana Diop, and Ossi Raippalinna) had a close relationship with him during different stages of his career.
Global choir
With singers from diverse cultures, Global Choir provides an experimental platform for co-creative and collaborative work, using voice as vehicle for transcultural processes. In this concert, with Ossi Raippalinna’s guidance, the choir has taken the challenge to seek and create a new way to express traditional drum stories through choral instrument. Being inspired by Senegalese griots, who perform and constantly renew their tradition, making it to a living artform, from past to present. The choir will also perform conductor Rajala’s arrangements to Senegalese griot songs.
Performers
- Global Choir
- Yamar Thiam, percussion
- Yirim Gueye, percussion
- Gana Diop, percussion
- Ossi Raippalinna, percussion
More information: Anna Huuskonen, anna.huuskonen@uniarts.fi
Global Spring 13.-17.5.2024
Global Spring is an annual festival featuring students, teachers, alumni and special guests representing Sibelius Academy’s Global music programme. The global music studies embraces pluralistic, fluid approaches to sound, culture and identity, creating new hybrid musical spaces through intercultural dialogue and collaboration. This year’s festival has the special theme of percussion and rhythm. Expect a feast of inspiring concerts, workshops, and discussions that highlight diverse approaches to working with rhythm through the hands of performers from around the world, celebrating the diversity of our planet.
Mannerheimintie renovation project
Access to the Musiikkitalo from the direction of Mannerheimintie will be difficult. We recommend that you allow enough time for your arrival and use the entrance on the side of Kansalaistori if possible. According to current information, the entrance to Mannerheimintie will also remain in use throughout the renovation, but pedestrian routes can be challenging at times.
From message to the melody
In Senegalese culture, poems have a direct connection to drumming and dancing. Senegalese drums called sabar and tama can imitate language to such a level, that in ancient times they were used to communicate precisely between long distances. The West African griots, the storytellers, and keepers of oral tradition made it possible. In modern society, thanks to their deep understanding of cultural heritage, the griots have an important role as educators and advocates of good values. Their art passes these messages through poems performed on sabar rhythms (Tassu), which are then transformed into drum breaks that follow the rhythm and intonation of the poem (Bakk). The bakk can be danced to, and as a result is a unique form of art that combines all these elements into a cheerful show that is known to be one of the foundations of rap music.
Hommage to a departed master drummer
Master sabar player Ndongo Diop was one of the few authors of both Bakk and Tassu. His work deserves to be passed on to future generations and educational material featuring his work will be published in the concert. All the drummers in the ensemble (Yamar Thiam, Yirim Gueye and Gana Diop, and Ossi Raippalinna) had a close relationship with him during different stages of his career.
Global choir
With singers from diverse cultures, Global Choir provides an experimental platform for co-creative and collaborative work, using voice as vehicle for transcultural processes. In this concert, with Ossi Raippalinna’s guidance, the choir has taken the challenge to seek and create a new way to express traditional drum stories through choral instrument. Being inspired by Senegalese griots, who perform and constantly renew their tradition, making it to a living artform, from past to present. The choir will also perform conductor Rajala’s arrangements to Senegalese griot songs.
Performers
- Global Choir
- Yamar Thiam, percussion
- Yirim Gueye, percussion
- Gana Diop, percussion
- Ossi Raippalinna, percussion
More information: Anna Huuskonen, anna.huuskonen@uniarts.fi
Global Spring 13.-17.5.2024
Global Spring is an annual festival featuring students, teachers, alumni and special guests representing Sibelius Academy’s Global music programme. The global music studies embraces pluralistic, fluid approaches to sound, culture and identity, creating new hybrid musical spaces through intercultural dialogue and collaboration. This year’s festival has the special theme of percussion and rhythm. Expect a feast of inspiring concerts, workshops, and discussions that highlight diverse approaches to working with rhythm through the hands of performers from around the world, celebrating the diversity of our planet.
Mannerheimintie renovation project
Access to the Musiikkitalo from the direction of Mannerheimintie will be difficult. We recommend that you allow enough time for your arrival and use the entrance on the side of Kansalaistori if possible. According to current information, the entrance to Mannerheimintie will also remain in use throughout the renovation, but pedestrian routes can be challenging at times.