Afrodisiac (2010)
b cl, 2 perc, pno, vla, db, singer
Duration: 70 minutes
Afrodisiac features an ensemble of seven classical musicians performing alongside two highly respected artists of traditional African instruments: Seckou Keita, an inspired and charismatic performer of the kora (the West African harp-lute) and Chartwell Dutiro, a maestro of the mbira, (the Zimbabwean โthumb pianoโ).
Afrodisiac is a personal journey and exploration of ritual, love and magic through the cultures of Africa and the African diaspora, combined with film of the magical โImaginative Realismโ paintings of Cuban artist Raul Speek.
First performed by Sound Affairs at Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen on 14 October 2010
with Rhiannon Llewellyn (soprano), David Jean-Baptiste (bass clarinet), Sacha Johnson (percussion), Jonathan Helm (percussion), Semra Kurutaรง (piano), Niamh Ferris (viola) and Ashley John Long (double bass)
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Press
โImagined over the course of a night โ its opening incantation for sunset returning at sunrise โ the succession of 17 pieces invoke African gods and spirits alongside pieces based on fragments of early Christian music. Barberโs Sound Affairs ensemble has a parallel range of traditions: the muted tones of viola, double bass and bass clarinet are sharpened not just by keyboard and percussion but by the kora (the west African harp-lute) and the mbira (the Zimbabwean thumb piano). These two were the focus of an early pair of pieces, Jaliya and Mbira Music, allowing the ear to tune into their individual timbres as they emerged throughout the sequence. Ostinato rhythmic patterns bordering on jazz were particularly engaging, with the lively beat of Afoxรฉ adding a South American perspective.โ
Rian Evans, The Guardian, 19 October 2010
Performances
| 14.10.10 | CARMARTHEN | The Lyric |
| 15.10.10 | CARDIFF | University Concert Hall |
| 16.10.10 | SWANSEA | Taliesin Arts Centre |
| 20.10.10 | MOLD | Clwyd Theatr Cymru |
| 21.10.10 | PWLLHELI | Neuadd Dwyfor |
| 22.10.10 | HOLYHEAD | Ucheldre Centre |
| 25.10.10 | LONDON | Southbank Centre, Purcell Room |
| 27.10.10 | MALVERN | Theatres |
| 28.10.10 | BROMSGROVE | Artrix |
| 30.10.10 | COLCHESTER | Lakeside Theatre |
Programme
Credits
Produced by Sound Affairs with the financial support of: Arts Council of England, Arts Council of Wales, Esmรฉe Fairbairn Foundation, RVW Trust
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Charlie Barber 