‘Be KūNū: An Exploration of Ancient Mandingo Strings’ by Olivier Tarpaga

For Dafra Kura band, Princeton University’s African Music Ensemble, and the Princeton University Orchestra 

Beth was asked by Burkinabé composer and choreographer, Olivier Tarpaga to help transcribe and realize his music for symphonic orchestra and his band, Dafra Kura, made up of himself as well as musicians from Burkina Faso and Mali. Beth worked closely with Tarpaga in the months leading up to the premiere to transcribe four movements totaling half an hour of music. Here is the piece described in Olivier’s words: “The ‘Be Kūnū’ project was made possible by Princeton University’s Humanities Council and the Council Awards 2023-24 Grants for Innovation and Collaboration. This project aims to introduce the community to rich artistic and cultural material from the African continent via collaborations, new artistic creations, and performances. The Magic Grant supported the creation of 'Be Kúnū: A Contemporary Exploration of Ancient Mandingo Strings,' a suite of new music developed and performed through a collaboration between the Princeton University Orchestra, the African Music Ensemble, and musicians specializing in ancient African string instruments and the balafon. 'Be Kúnū' is best translated as 'the present past.' Beth is continuing her partnership with Tarpaga on his new material with the goal of his music reaching orchestras and audiences across the globe.

“Kongoba” video: