Boi Akih - Handels Messsiah at Old Roots New Routes at Amstelkerk

An innovative and topical performance of the Messiah. Boi Akih’s adaptation of Georg Friedrich Händel’s famous oratorio from 1741 is completely non-conformist, but shows great respect for the original composition and is entirely in keeping with Händel’s own working method. This versatile Baroque composer, who had ensemble and sound performance in mind, was inspired by the skill and expression of the soloists. Often rewriting his own works when the performance called for it, Handel was open to new ideas and styles. Boi Akih performs a completely unique version of this masterpiece in the unusual line-up of guitar, viola, kora and vocals. This idiosyncratic combination of stringed instruments forms a beautiful whole in itself. Monica Akihary’s exceptional singing lends the classical texts a stunning new eloquence. It s not without good reason did she receive the Boy Edgar Prize 2023!...

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An innovative and topical performance of the Messiah. Boi Akih’s adaptation of Georg Friedrich Händel’s famous oratorio from 1741 is completely non-conformist, but shows great respect for the original composition and is entirely in keeping with Händel’s own working method. This versatile Baroque composer, who had ensemble and sound performance in mind, was inspired by the skill and expression of the soloists. Often rewriting his own works when the performance called for it, Handel was open to new ideas and styles. Boi Akih performs a completely unique version of this masterpiece in the unusual line-up of guitar, viola, kora and vocals. This idiosyncratic combination of stringed instruments forms a beautiful whole in itself. Monica Akihary’s exceptional singing lends the classical texts a stunning new eloquence. It s not without good reason did she receive the Boy Edgar Prize 2023!

Monica Akihary – zang (NL/ID)
Niels Brouwer – zevensnarige gitaar (NL)
Sekou Dioubate- kora (GN)
Saskia Meijs – altviool (NL)

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