Captivating String Virtuosos - Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper / Maryna Krut in Abu Dhabi

Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper

Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko, regarded as the greatest living kora master, is a seminal improviser and collaborator, unlocking rare subtleties on the instrument. South African classical guitarist Derek Gripper, inspired by the kora, transcribed and recorded its repertoire, pioneering an African body of work for guitar. The two met in Paris in 2022, performing entirely improvised music without verbal communication, later reuniting in London and recording a 2023 album. Together, they expand Mandé traditions with spontaneous variation, echoing Keith Jarrett’s improvised jazz explorations.

Maryna Krut

Ukrainian musician Maryna Krut pairs her powerful voice with the bandura, a traditional string instrument blending elements of lute and zither. Rooted in folk traditions since childhood, she now incorporates jazz and modern influences, performing both solo and with voice. The war transformed her from innovator to witness, singing for soldiers at the front and abroad to share Ukraine’s story. A national figure through The X Factor, The Voice, and Eurovision, she now brings her culture and resilience to global audiences.