Fitchburg State University will present a kora performance by internationally renowned composer, musician and educator John Hughes at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16 in the main lounge at Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl St. Admission is free and open to the public.
The kora is a West African stringed instrument with origins dating back at least to the 13th century. Hughes, who has released six albums of original music, has studied the music, song and dance of West Africa for more than 28 years, training with numerous master drummers and dancers from Guinea and Mali. His musical style crosses cultural boundaries and fuses disparate influences.
The performance at Fitchburg State is made possible with the support of the Newman Center Trust Fund and in collaboration with the university’s English Studies Department and Professor Kisha Tracy and Humanities Department Associate Professor Amy McGlothlin and Associate Professor Jonathan Harvey.
Before the performance on Oct. 16, Hughes will visit students studying Medieval Africa and World Music.
Learn more about Hughes at johnhughesarts.com.