South African Guitarist Derek Gripper, From the 2025 New York Guitar Festival

Derek Gripper is a classical guitarist from South Africa who has somehow found a way to play West African music for the 21-string harp, or kora, on the six strings of his instrument. Iraqi-born, American-based composer and NEA Heritage Fellow Rahim AlHaj plays the oud, the Arab lute. Both musicians have played in a wide variety of styles, and recently, they began playing together as a duo. Hear solo sets by Derek Gripper and a solo piece by Rahim AlHaj. The music comes from the New Sounds Live Concert Series in partnership with the New York Guitar Festival and the World Music Institute, and was recorded at Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall in June of 2025.

Set list: 

1. Derek Gripper - Blue Light
2.  Derek Gripper - Chiwo
3. Derek Gripper - Moss on the Mountain
4. Rahim AlHaj - Dream