Sona Jobarteh & the Philharmonia Orchestra

Born into one of the five principal hereditary kora playing families from West Africa, Sona Jobarteh stands on the mighty shoulders of her ancestors within a tradition that spans back centuries. Sona has gained her reputation becoming the first female virtuoso of this instrument from within this ancient tradition. As a renowned international performing artist, her music stands uniquely poised between the preservation of her rich cultural heritage and an accessible, modern style that relates to the current era and to audiences from all over the world.

 Less known is her work as a composer. She wrote the film score to the multi-award winning film ‘Motherland’ as well as the theme song for the Hollywood movie “Beast” featuring Idris Elba.

For this exciting concert, Sona Jobarteh has been commissioned by Roundhouse Three Sixty to write an original piece of music for the 60 piece Philharmonia Orchestra alongside a number of other instruments from the Mandeng tradition. The piece will feature herself on Kora and vocals, as well as well as incorporate recognised themes from some of her most popular works.

 The first half of the concert will feature the Philharmonia Orchestra performing works selected by Sona Jobarteh that have played an influential role in her growth as an artist.