Constantinople: Estuary

New Old World Music Society presents
Constantinople : Estuary
Kiya Tabassian, Ablaye Cissoko, Patrick Graham

Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Doors 6:45pm, Show: 7:30pm
Alix Goolden Hall | 900 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8V 3N4

The estuary, where fresh water meets the sea, evokes passage, renewal, and fertility. It is a space of transition and transformation, where unexpected possibilities emerge—much like the musical encounters imagined by Constantinople.

In this new collaboration, Ablaye Cissoko, master of the kora, and Kiya Tabassian, virtuoso of the Persian setar, cross paths for the third time, blending the currents of their musical memories. At their side, their long-time accomplice, percussionist Patrick Graham, brings rhythm and subtlety to this sonic conversation.

Over the years, their dialogue has deepened, becoming a rich and inspiring musical exchange. And when the stars align, in the space of a concert, the kora and the setar intertwine their voices to create a captivating universe—suspending time and soothing the soul.

“(…) a rare delight: music unlike anything heard before.” – Le Monde

“In twelve years and three albums, these two virtuosos have sealed the union of the setar lute and the Manding kora, giving birth to new traditions at the crossroads of the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.”  Télérama (TTT)

Venue Accessibility:

The 900 Johnson Street entrance is at ground-level and wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator located on the first floor: as you enter the building go down the ramp to your right and the elevator is on the left at the bottom. Priority seating can be provided at concerts if you have accessibility issues; please contact the Venues Department. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the main floor, beside the lobby in the Reception and Registration area.