Ablaye Cissoko & Cyrille Brotto stand on a checkered floor

Ablaye Cissoko & Cyrille Brotto

“Masterful collaborations of kora and accordion ... a gem from start to finish” — Songlines UK

Senegalese kora player Ablaye Cissoko shares the stage in a striking collaboration with French accordionist and composer Cyrille Brotto. Together, they create an exotic, yet strikingly modern sound that melds the deep traditions of their very different musical cultures and showcases their unique artistry. 

Cissoko is one of his generation’s finest kora players – a traditional stringed instrument used extensively in West Africa that combines the features of the lute and harp. An avid cross-cultural collaborator, he incorporates Mandinka griot traditions with contemporary musical creation, performing with artists across genres, including world music, jazz, classical and baroque. Brotto is an accomplished diatonique accordionist and multi-instrumentalist, with a distinguished performing and educational profile in France and across Europe. The rapport between these two artists is evident in their music.

Funds provided by the Merle and Peter Mullin Endowment.


Health and safety

Please check our Plan Your Visit page for the latest CAP UCLA policies.