Mamadou Cissokho, William Goodchild and Bristol Ensemble
Symphony of the World takes the audience on a musical journey across the globe. It’s a celebration of the wonderful diverse communities and musical traditions residing in the city of Bristol. The project culminates in two live performances: one at Trinity Centre on 18th November 2024, and the other at St George’s Bristol on 25th November 2024.
Performers include Bristol Ensemble, Preludes Music, Bristol Reggae Orchestra, Balkan group Troyka, Malizah, Senegalese Master Kora-player Mamadou Cissokho with African Drummer Suntou Susso, Clarinetist Sophie Wilsdon, Percussionist David Oliver, and Composer/Conductor William Goodchild.
The concert opens with performances by young musicians from three Bristol schools: Easton CE Academy, Redfield Educate Together, and St Nicholas of Tolentine RC.
The programme features a performance of the Concerto For Kora and Orchestra composed by William Goodchild and Mamadou Cissokho.
Symphony of the World is supported by Arts Council England, Quartet Community Foundation and Bristol Masons Charity.
Concerto for Kora and Orchestra was composed by William Goodchild and Mamadou Cissokho in 2016. The piece is inspired by West African traditional styles, inparticular the Senegalese kora tradition in conjunction with Romantic and 20th Century European approaches to orchestral writing.
William and Mamadou met over several weeks to share ideas, to improvise and write together. During this time, a work in four movements evolved for solo kora and orchestra comprising five Woodwind, six Brass, African Drums, Percussion, Harp and Strings.
Concerto for Kora and Orchestra
1. Honour
2. Journey Home
3. Always With Me
4. Kana Koumbo
Listen to a recording, which is available to stream and download here: www.williamgoodchild.com/concertoforkoraandorchestra
On this linked page, you will also find a Behind-the-Scenes video showing the compositional process from initial ideas through to the first performance, plus full information on the project and production credits.
A full score and set of parts are available to hire for orchestras wishing to perform the piece.
Mamadou Cissokho and William Goodchild
Concerto for Kora and Orchestra (2016/2024)
Mamadou Cissokho and William Goodchild
Inspiration for this work is drawn from West African traditional styles, particularly the Senegalese Kora tradition, in conjunction with Romantic and 20th Century European approaches to orchestral writing. Mamadou Cissokho and William Goodchild met over several weeks in 2016 to share ideas, to improvise and write together. During this time, a work in four movements evolved for a Kora soloist and orchestra.
Concerto for Kora and Orchestra was commissioned by Helen Wilde, High Sheriff of Bristol 2016/17 and received its premiere at the High Sheriff’s Concert at St George's Bristol on Saturday 18th June 2016. The performance was given by Kora soloist Mamadou Cissokho and the Bristol Symphony Orchestra, conducted by William Goodchild. The work lasts approximately 18 minutes.
For 2024, the work has been re-orchestrated for a slightly reduced orchestral ensemble consisting of Kora, five Woodwind, six Brass, African Drums, Percussion, Harp and Strings. These second and third performances of the piece form part of Symphony of the Worldbeing performed at Trinity Centre, Bristol on Monday 18th November and at St George’s Bristol on Monday 25th November. Kora soloist: Mamadou Cissokho with Bristol Ensemble, conducted by William Goodchild.
Acknowledgements
The composers would like to thank Helen Wilde for commissioning the work, and her husband Peter Wilde for his support; Roger Huckle and Bristol Ensemble for programming the work as part of Symphony of the World; and Jean Hasse, for her musical assistance and help with the preparation of performance materials.
Instrumentation
(2016)
Kora, 2 Flutes with 2nd doubling on Piccolo, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons,
2 French Horns, 2 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, African Drums (Djembe, Congas, Dundun, Tama and Kalibas), Percussion (Shakers, Rattles, Triangle, Claves and Tambourines), Harp and Strings.
(2024)
Kora, Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, 2 French Horns, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, African Drums (Djembe, Congas, Dundun, Tama and Kalibas),
Percussion (Shakers, Rattles, Triangle, Claves and Tambourines), Harp and Strings.
All Photos by Rosa Fay Photography: www.rosafay.co.uk