Acclaimed guitarist to perform at World Theater, April 28

South African guitarist Derek Gripper will play Cal State Monterey Bay’s World Theater at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 28. The performance is free and open to the public.

Gripper, who has played with such renowned musicians as guitar legend John Williams and kora maestro Toumani Diabaté, explores the intersection of classical and traditional African music. He has gained recognition for translating music typically played on the kora, a 21-stringed African instrument, to the guitar. His recordings range from African music to Bach as well as his own compositions.

Althea SullyCole, assistant professor of music at CSUMB, said the concert is a unique opportunity for the campus and community. She met Gripper nine years ago when she was a graduate student in London. Similarly, she is also a classically trained guitarist who turned toward the kora. 

“Hearing Derek’s recordings and live performance at that early point in my career had a huge impact on what it meant to know an instrument, its repertoire and technique,” SullyCole said. “His work has been influential on my creative practice ever since.”

She was instrumental in bringing Gripper to CSUMB and hopes the audience will appreciate his musicianship.

“Derek Gripper has both a unique and highly-technical approach to guitar,” she said. “Although the guitar is a familiar instrument to many, few play it the way Gripper does. The concert is a rare opportunity for our community to have access to this world-class performer.”

Gripper’s concert is not the only chance to hear music on campus on the 28th. Earlier in the day, at 5 p.m., there will be a spring chorale performance in the Music Hall. And at 7 p.m., April 27, there will be a concert by faculty composers, also in the Music Hall. Both events are free. 

Also on April 27, at 1 and 7 p.m., the Performing Otters student theater club will stage the musical “The Addams Family” at the World Theater. Admission is free.