Fri 14 Nov

Doors:19:00

Start:19:30

Event ended

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

Name: Captivating String Virtuosos - Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper / Maryna Krut in Abu Dhabi
Start: 2025-11-14T19:00:00+0400
End: 2025-11-14T20:00:00+0400
Location: The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Rating: 5

The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

5.0

Fri 14 Nov

Doors:19:00

Start:19:30

The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

Event ended

Kid Koala’s The Storyville Mosquito

52.50 AED

Thu 30 Apr - Sat 02 May

Ink - Huang Yi Studio + Presented with the support of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

52.50 AED

Thu 05 Feb

La Terre en Transe - Taoufiq Izeddiou

52.50 AED

Thu 14 May

The Discreet Charm of the Pillars of Society - Ahmed El Attar

52.50 AED

Fri 27 Mar

5.0

Excellent

It was a wonderful concert with great Ukrainian songs.

5.0

Excellent

Fantastic facilitation, musicians and great audience vibes

5.0

Excellent

the artists on stage were at their talent peak; from their own abilities and the facilities they were in

5.0

Excellent

The South African/Malian duo was amazing!

Experience a sublime evening of cross-boundary music, blending traditions from Mali, South Africa, and Ukraine.

Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko, the world’s preeminent kora player, joins South African leading guitarist Derek Gripper to weave a new African string theory through Mandé music and classical guitar.

Adding to this rich tapestry, Ukrainian artist Maryna Krut brings her powerful voice and bandura, infusing her country’s traditional sounds with touches of jazz and contemporary influences.

An extraordinary meeting of cultures, instruments, and artistry awaits.

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.

The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all patrons.

Entry to the NYUAD Campus is through either the East or West Parking or the Welcome Center.

Patrons will be required to present a valid ticket to an event at The Arts Center upon entry to the campus.

As per current Department of Culture and Tourism guidelines a Green Al Hosn is NO LONGER needed to attend public events in Abu Dhabi.

The wearing of face masks is NO LONGER required in most indoor public places, including campus buildings.

For access and wheelchair bookings please email: nyuad.boxoffice@nyu.edu

By car: The Arts Center is easily accessible by car. You can park in the designated area for parking once you arrive.

The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

NYU Abu Dhabi A6 Arts & Humanities Bldg - Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hwy - Al Saadiyat Island - Saadiyat Marina District - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates