Derek Gripper Live at The Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary

Sun Dec 18, 16:00 - Sun Dec 18, 19:00

The Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary

ABOUT

Derek Gripper is known for his groundbreaking technique for evoking the West African kora on the guitar. He has transcribed the complex music of West African kora. He is a composer and arranger and tours globally. Derek has played with many of the world's greats (John Williams, Ballaké Sissoko) and performed in some of the world’s most prestigious halls (Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall).


Since his two recordings documenting his translation of the works of Toumani Diabate, “One Night on Earth” (2011) and the Songlines Award winning “Libraries on Fire” (2016) Gripper has been creating a body of original work around the theme of extended cyclical structures. Taking his cue from the improvisational language of West African griots, as well as returning to his early work re-inventing South Africa’s own cyclical ‘koortjie’ tradition, Gripper continues to create a highly individual language for solo guitar. 


His recent recordings, including “A Year of Swimming” (2020) and “Billy Goes to Durban,” (2021) and “Sleep Songs for My Daughter” (2022) dovetail between original compositions, spontaneous improvisation and recitations of works by composers like J.S. Bach, Arvo Pärt, Salif Keita, Fanta Sacko and Baaba Maal, bringing seemingly disparate traditions and musical practices together in a seamless guitar experience like no other. 


A little info on the Sanctuary & Event:

The Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary, the oldest wolf sanctuary in South Africa, is a non-profit company with the aim of taking care of neglected and surrendered wolves. Situated in the heart of the Tsitsikamma, surrounded by mountain views, forest and fresh ocean air, the Sanctuary provides a safe-haven for these majestic, but misunderstood animals. As a Sanctuary, it is our mission to educate the public against breeding of wolves in South Africa as they have no life outside of captivity. We are therefore a non-breeding and non-touch facility.


Join us for a relaxed Sunday evening outdoor concert at The Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary with the talented Derek Gripper in support of the wolves. Bring your picnic blanket to relax on the grass as you watch the sun setting over the Tsitsikamma Mountains as Derek takes us on a musical journey.


Bring something warm as the evening may get chilly, and bring your instruments for after the concert as we will make a bonfire later in the evening.


Enjoy a plant-based meal freshly prepared (bookings essential). There will be non-alcoholic beverages for sale during the event. We will ask a corkage fee to those who wish to bring your own booze. Saying this, we ask that you do this respectfully of the animals and the residents of the Sanctuary.


Accommodation:

Camping available


Location link:

https://goo.gl/maps/Czw8kJnZCi8cXJMx7

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Derek Gripper Live at The Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary
The Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary
South Africa
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