News from our partners: Kora player in Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury concert on 2 March

News from our partners Shropshire Music Trust

Josh Doughty – Kora player presents “From West Wales to West Africa” in a lunchtime concert at The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury on Monday 2 March 2020 at 1pm-2pm. 

Josh Doughty – Kora player

The kora is a 21-string lute-bridge-harp used extensively in West Africa, which Josh  learned to play under the Master player Toumani Diabate. Listen to this beautiful music and hear the extraordinary story of how he came to play the instrument.

Originally from Wales, Josh began playing the kora at eight years old. Combining  traditional Mandinka rhythms with modern Western influences, from classical to folk, Josh’s style is both unique and impressively accomplished. His passion for and mastery of this complex and mesmerizing instrument has earned him a rightful place amongst the new generation of kora players.

Kate Hogwood, Director of Shropshire Music Trust, said:

“Josh has an extraordinary story to tell of how he came to play this instrument, first learning from his father and then as a teenager travelling to Mali in West Africa. Over the past decade, Josh has collaborated with a number of leading musicians from Africa and Europe, including Sampha on his Mercury Prize winning album, Process. He has played at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, St James’ Palace, the renowned Le Diplomate club in Mali and several UK festivals including WOMAD, Tribe of Doris, Tropical Pressure and Shambala.

“Winner of the World music category at the Welsh International Harp Festival in 2018, Josh has also been featured in Songlines Magazine and has delivered a TEDx talk on his life and his music. You couldn’t find a more expert and enthusiastic ambassador to introduce you to the music and culture of this fascinating instrument.”

 Tickets online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/smt , by phone from Ticketsource on 0333 666 3366, and also by phone, post and in person from Salop Sheet Music 294 Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury SY2 5TF – 01743 365561. Email: sales@salopsheetmusic.co.uk  All Box Offices include the excellent multi-purchase Savers and group discounts: any remaining tickets will be sold ‘on the door’. See  www.shropshiremusictrust.co.uk for full details.

Mailing List (postal & email) for full details of all the 2019 /2020 Season events: SMT Freepost SY169, Shrewsbury SY5 6BR, Email:info@shropshiremusictrust.co.uk – or please call 01952 510375.