Festival 1001 Notes: A Bolero in Bamako

Festival 1001 Notes: A Bolero in Bamako invites you to experience a vibrant fusion of African soul and classical brilliance. Under the inspiring musical direction of Chloé Meyzie, the symphony orchestra and choir pulsate with the electric energy of Amadou & Mariam. At the heart of the evening, the luminous voice of Mariam, a beloved icon of Bamako’s music scene, is accompanied by the legendary balafon master Lansiné Kouyaté, heir to a proud griot lineage, and the versatile Patrick Bebey, who bridges tradition and modernity with his sanzas, pygmy flute, and keyboards. The Trans Cover Express—Nicolas Repac on guitar and vocals, Mirabelle Gilis on violin, Olivier Koundouno on cello, and Patrick Goraguer on drums—adds rhythmic dynamism while the orchestra and choir deepen the sonic tapestry. The program revisits the beloved repertoire of Amadou & Mariam, interlaced with iconic African classics such as “Pata Pata,” “Soul Makossa,” and “Folon,” and reimagines timeless works by Ravel, Mozart, and Bach with African colours. Highlights include “Amadou Bagayoko: I’m thinking of you,” “Amadou Bagayoko: Beautiful Sundays,” “Amadou Bagayoko as M’Bife,” “Amadou Bagayoko as Sabali,” “Amadou Bagayoko: Without you,” “Amadou Bagayoko: Peace,” “Maurice Ravel: The Bolero (revised by Frédéric Gassita),” “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Sonata No. 11, 1st movement,” “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Turkish March,” “Johann Sebastian Bach: Prélude n°1 (BWV 846),” “Pierre Perret: Lily,” “Patrick Bebey as Sanza Tristesse,” “Miriam Makeba: Pata Pata,” “Manu Dibango: Soul Makossa,” and “Salif Keita: Folon.” The intermission delights with “José Alberto Piña: Cleopatra” (French premiere for symphony orchestra), “Camille Saint‑Saëns: Bacchanale,” and the cinematic “John Barry: Out of Africa,” theme of the film. The grand finale brings African rhythms and classical harmony together in a triumphant closing, a joyous celebration that will leave viewers feeling both energized and enchanted—proof that music truly transcends borders. Join us for this unforgettable film‑concert that promises shared emotion, unbridled joy, and the timeless magic of the Bamako scene.