The Warren Symphony Orchestra will showcase music from four continents at its upcoming concert, “Continental Kaleidoscope.” The performance is Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Macomb Center for the performing Arts, beginning at 3 p.m.
The concert features the Bernard Woma Ensemble, which will perform innovative compositions for the gyil, as well as traditional Ghanaian repertoire. The musical journey also includes pieces from Mexico, Hungary, and Russia.
Tickets are $23 per person; seniors and students receive a discount, youth are free. For reservations, visit online or phone (586) 754-2950.
Dr. Greg Cunningham, WSO Music Director, said, “The Warren Symphony is pleased to share the stage of the Macomb Center for Performing Arts with one of the world’s leading authorities of Ghanaian music, Bernard Woma and his Bernard Woma Ensemble. The concert will highlight music from four continents and will showcase the Bernard Woma Ensemble in performance of two concertos for gyil, a West African mallet percussion instrument, with the orchestra.”
Prior to the concert, 60 area students have been invited to attend an interactive workshop by the Bernard Woma Ensemble, sponsored by the WSO. Participants will learn about the music of Northern Ghana and play Dagara clay pot drums called dalari. Concert ticketholders are welcome to observe. The workshop begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
Bernard Woma has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Maya Angelou, Yo Yo Ma, and Glen Velez. His appearances in the U.S. include performances with the New York Philharmonic and the Ethos Percussion group. The New York Times described Woma’s Carnegie Hall performance as “rhythmically vital.”
The Warren Symphony Orchestra is in its 39th season serving the tri-county area. Dr. Gregory Cunningham directs the orchestra, which is made up of 65 classical musicians. In addition to performing its regular concert schedule, the WSO also operates educational programs that bring thousands of elementary school students to an orchestra concert, many for the first time.