'A true pioneer.'
Classic FM Magazine

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Classical guitarist Ahmed Dickinson launches the new Echoes Festival African Diaspora series in a collaboration with the Salix Quartet at London's Africa Centre, exploring contemporary Afro-Cuban music for guitar and strings.

 

The programme presents pieces by some of Cuba's most dynamic composers, and features the UK premiere of Moforibale a Ochún by Walfrido Domínguez - a soulful work inspired by the music of Yoruba religious offerings. The programme also includes the Afro grooves of Leo Brouwer's compelling Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet, alongside the eclectic Acrílicos en el destino by Eduardo Martín, where Latin American music meets rock and Latin jazz. These effervescent syncretisms of Afro, Cuban and European influences bring some classical cool to the traditional string quartet format, with irresistible rhythms that will have you tapping your feet and swaying in your seat!

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Walfrido Domínguez Moforibale a Ochún (UK premiere)

Leo Brouwer Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet

Eduardo Martín Acrílicos en el destino

 

Ahmed Dickinson guitar

Salix Quartet string quartet
Ben Russell double bass

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Ahmed Dickinson is one of the finest performers of the Cuban Guitar Movement. He is a sophisticated virtuoso on his instrument and an ambassador of Cuban culture. Since graduating from both the Royal College and Guildhall School of Music and Drama he has performed in prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, toured extensively around Europe, presented innumerable UK premieres, and released several critically acclaimed recordings. His latest CD Ilusión y Verdad is out now on Parma Recordings.

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The Salix Quartet formed at the RAM in 2020. They were immediately selected to join the Frost Trust ASSET Quartet scheme, mentored by Doric Quartet violinists, Alex Redington and Ying Xue. They have given several performances at RAM including a collaboration with horn player, George Strivens. They were also invited to perform Chausson’s Concert with soloist Yaoré Talibart and pianist Michel Xie. Since then, they have performed at Petworth Festival and the Garrick Club. The Salix Quartet have been active in raising awareness of the music of 20th-century Brazilian composers.

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Benjamin Russell is Principal Double Bass of the London Mozart Players and a member of the Britten Sinfonia, for whom he regularly plays as guest principal, as well as with the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields and the English Chamber Orchestra. He has recorded for various pop artists including Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol as well as regularly playing for television and film soundtracks.

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Organised by ILAMS as part of Echoes Festival's 'African Diaspora' series 2022, in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes