30 June 2008
29 June 2008
28 June 2008
Ethiopiques | Barbican | 27 June 2008
World premier at the Barbican Theatre, London, 27 June
Gétachew Mekurya, Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Esheté, Mulatu Astatqé and most of Either/Orchestra
Mahmoud Ahmed
Alemayehu Esheté,
Gétachew Mekurya
Mulatu Astatqé
Either/Orchestra
A great concert, high on warmth, emotion, and enthusiasm. A little under-rehearsed at times (a rather wobbly beginning and a few gaps here and there), this was the first time the backing orchestra had performed with the Ethiopiques stars Alemayehu Esheté, apart from a 9-hour rehearsal the day before.
Nevertheless as the concert progressed, and each successive soloist outperformed his predeccessor, it all came together with a creditable rendition of the Ethiopiques sound backing some extraordinary performances. Mahmoud Ahmed stole the night with his tremendous voice and engagement with the audience.
(Thanks for the clarification, below.)
