Ensemble Bash writes:
Since the formation of Ensemble Bash in the UK in 1992, we’ve made a reputation as one of the world’s most innovative and groundbreaking chamber ensembles. Using the music of West Africa as both core repertoire and a guiding spiritual influence, we mix contemporary classical, jazz and music theatre into unforgettable performances.

Since the start, Ensemble Bash has been dedicated to commissioning new repertoire for percussion ensemble, and has developed special relationships with composers including Graham Fitkin, Stephen Montague, Nick Hayes, Howard Skempton and Stewart Copeland.

Ensemble Bash has toured the UK and Europe extensively, including numerous appearances at the Southbank Centre and BBC Proms. Four major tours of Italy have included, in 2003, a performance for the Primo Maggio concert in Rome to an audience of more than 500,000. Ensemble Bash has performed throughout Ghana, at the Melbourne and Sydney Festivals, and in Hong Kong, to mark the handover of the colony to the Chinese in 1997.

We’ve spent several periods of study in Ghana, working with Nana Danso Abiam and musicians from the Pan African Orchestra and the National Dance Company of Ghana. We always remember, honour and credit our teachers when we play this music in concerts.

Since the release of our debut major label album Launch on Sony Classical in 1995, Ensemble Bash has been regularly broadcast around the world. Other recordings include the Grammy nominated Orchestralli with drumming legend Stewart Copeland on Ponderosa.

We’re renowned for our workshops and family concerts and our pioneering education work has included extensive residencies for Dartington International Summer School, SPNM’s Sound Inventors, Spitalfields Festival and the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne, Australia.

Programme:
Damba – Trad arr. Ibrahim Abukari
Tunnel – Simon Limbrick
Yaa Yaa Kolé – Trad arr. Thomas Segkura
Carlos Lopez-Real – Blink and You’ll Miss It (second performance)
Philip Glass – Music in Similar Motion