The poet-pianist Echezonachukwu Nduka, author of the collection Chrysanthemums for Wide-eyed Ghosts (2018), has been offering a reinterpretation of African classical music. Last April, he performed a mixed program of African and European composers at the 2018 Transformation Spring Recital, featuring pieces from his collection Choreowaves. His performances continue this year. Last month, he delivered a public lecture at Gateway Playhouse, a theatre in Somers Point, New Jersey. The November 12 event, titled “Perspectives on African Pianism: The Piano Music of Nigerian & Ghanaian Composers,” also featured a performance by him.

Sponsored by The Somers Point Arts Commission, the all-African piano program included works by the composers Joshua Uzoigwe, Fred Onovwerosuoke, Zitu D. Benafa, Christian Onyeji, Chijioke Ngobili, and Peter Sylvanus. At its end, following a call for an encore, he added Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s “Sweet Dreams.”

Here are photos, and a video, from the event. Credit: Nduka.

Read: #PoetryTalk | Every Poem Needs Time to Breathe and Become: Interview with Echezonachukwu Nduka

WATCH VIDEO BELOW: