Evolving Traditions in Ethiopian Music

Join the SOAS Centre of African Studies and The Africa Centre for an exploration of the intersections between Ethiopian and Western classical music – including a live piano demonstration. Pianist and composer Girma Yifrashewa will join the acclaimed world music producer, SOAS Professor Emerita Lucy Duran, for an engaging discussion and audience Q&A.

There will be an opportunity to continue the conversation in an informal setting after the talk.

Lucy Duran is a leading expert in world music, a BBC radio presenter, and a producer who has worked with legendary artists across Africa and beyond. Her research and recordings have played a vital role in bringing global musical traditions to wider audiences.

Girma Yifrashewa is an Ethiopian pianist and composer whose music blends Western classical and Ethiopian traditions. As Director of the Ashenafi Kebede Performing Arts Centre at Addis Ababa University he is also pioneering access to music education for the next generation of Ethiopian musicians.

This event will be in advance of Girma’s Wigmore Hall debut on Saturday 15 March.