AFRICAN PIANISM

African classical music - Pianist Rebeca Omordia has spent the last decade bringing this rich and underappreciated form to light, she has been unearthing and recording compositions by some of the continent’s influential past and present composers. Her programme African Pianism described by The Guardian as “wild and shimmering piano gems” is a fascinating kaleidoscope of piano works from West Africa, North Africa, South Africa and East Africa.

Performances: During the 2023-24 season, Rebeca performed African Pianism worldwide, featuring solo recitals in the UK at Wigmore Hall, Cheltenham Town Hall, Barbican Hall, Cambridge University, Ryedale and Leicester International Festivals; and abroad at Manarat Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi (UAE), at Sociedad Filarmonica de Gran Canaria (Spain), for the Philips Collection, Washington D.C. and at Onassis Stegi in Athens, Greece.

Albums: Rebeca’s first album “EKELE” (Heritage Records, 2018) was described as “Skilfully compiled and beautifully performed” (BBC Music Magazine) and “Appealing and pioneering in equal measure” (Gramophone). Her second album, “African Pianism” (SOMM Records, 2022) was described as a “a real ear-opener” (Presto Music) and “richly rewarding music” (Gramophone).

For 2024, SOMM Recordings is thrilled to announce African Pianism, Volume 2, a new instalment in a collection of piano music by African composers. Out 19 July 2024! Find out more!