The Strings across Worlds concert brings together four string musicians from across the world for a unique concert in London on July 4th.
The concert will take place on July 4th 2026, with doors opening at 6:30 pm and the concert starting at 7:30 pm.
It is taking place at the St John the Baptist Church in Hoxton, London. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of its founding this year, St John the Baptist is a fascinating venue for this concert.
Strings Across Worlds brings together four remarkable musicians: Pipa virtuoso Gao Hong is joined by kora player Kadialy Kouyate, sitar maestro Baluji Shrivastav and guitarist Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde. These four extraordinary musicians carry centuries of tradition across continents in their instruments, from the shimmering resonance of the Chinese pipa to the flowing melodies of the West African kora, and from the meditative depth of the Indian sitar to the passionate expression of flamenco guitar.
Each artist carries a distinct musical language, yet what unfolds is a shared conversation, where sounds meet, overlap and evolve in unexpected ways. From the shimmering resonance of the pipa to the flowing lines of the kora, from the meditative depth of the sitar to the fire of the flamenco guitar, this programme invites listeners for an evening that moves between intimate solo moments and richly textured collaborations, into a space where borders feel porous, and traditions remain alive and in motion.
Gao Hong played the Pipa alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in a live concert performance of concertos from her album Symphony of Self earlier this year. Originally from Luoyang, Henan province of China. She has been introducing listeners to the Pipa for decades, first picking up the Pipa at 8 before joining a travelling musical group at the age of 12.
The Strings across Worlds concert is part of ARC Music’s 50th anniversary celebrations, a world music and folk music label based in West Sussex. This concert offers a rare opportunity to hear four master musicians exploring the meeting point between heritage and imagination.
Tickets are available online only, with no tickets sold at the door.
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