Boi Akih - Messiah

How would Händel perform his Messiah today? Boi Akih offers a surprisingly personal answer: with vocals, seven-string guitar, viola da gamba and the African kora, the ensemble brings its own version of one of the most famous works in music history.

This is less daring than it sounds. Händel regularly adapted his music to the abilities of his musicians and was open to new sounds and influences. In that spirit, Boi Akih places a selection from the Messiah in a new light, without losing sight of the original.

The core of the ensemble is formed by classical guitarist Niels Brouwer and vocalist Monica Akihary, winner of the Boy Edgar Prize 2023. Together with viola da gamba player Saskia Meijs and kora player Sekou Dioubaté, a transparent sound emerges in which Baroque music, improvisation and musical traditions from different parts of the world come together. Well-known pieces such as Comfort Ye, Ev'ry Valley and the Hallelujah take on new meaning in this context.

Niels Brouwer, guitar
Monica Akihary, vocals
Saskia Meijs, viola da gamba
Sekou Dioubaté, kora