Balafon Workshop in Mali
2009
From the 6th to the 21st of December 2009
This workshop is aimed at balafon players of advanced level who wish to immerse themselves into the music and magic of this instrument in its country of origin.
The workshop takes place in an authentic African environment, the village of Konsankuy, in the savannah of south-eastern Mali. The inhabitants of Konsankuy are part of the Bobo people, well-known for their rich musical tradition and a highly developed sense of celebrations. The film shootings for the method-documentary DVD "The Balafon with Aly Keita & Gert Kilian" were made in Konsankuy in December 2007. The climate at this time of the year is very pleasant, the nights are fresh and there is hardly ever any mosquito. The harvest is done, it is the time of celebrations.

village of Konsankuy
The legendary town of Djenné is a two-hours ride by car and an excursion on the day off (13th of December) is possible. The picturesque market of Fangasso is 7 km away.
Kassoum Keita - griot, balafola and leader of the group "Super Zamaza" - is the master of the balafon workshop, assisted by Youssouf Keita and Gert Kilian. Traditional pieces with their different accompanying patterns and melodies. Improvisation, solo playing and endurance training during feasts. All participants will have a balafon at their disposal (21 keys, pentatonic in A major). It is possible to buy a balafon and to take it along as registered luggage.

Kassoum and Youssouf
Keita
The accommodation facilities are situated in the catholic mission of Sokoura, two km away from Konsankuy in 2 to 4 person bedrooms with a shower and the nice and (necessary) calm atmosphere after intensive days and nights. There is a pleasant walk to the village. Delicious African meals will be prepared by two enthusiast cooks, Fatoumata and Fanta.
The charter airline POINT Afrique is operating direct flights to Mopti. A three-hours bus ride goes on a good road to Konsankuy, located 70 km north of San.

mosque of
Fangasso
6-12 flight from Paris to Mopti, bus transfer to Sokoura
7-12 welcome at Konsankuy, concert with the group “Super Zamaza”
8-12 to 12.12 workshop from 8:30 am to 11:30 am
lunch
workshop from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
dinner
13.12 day off
14.12 to 18.12 workshop from 8:30 am to 11:30 am
lunch
workshop from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
dinner
19.12 day off
20.12 bus transfer to Mopti, night at the hotel “Doux Rêves”
21.12 flight from Mopti to Paris
1500.-euros, including flights, workshop & full pension (accommodation & food in Sokoura and Konsankuy), one night at the hotel in Mopti, bus transfer Mopti-Sokoura-Mopti.The price does not include the fee for the visa and the compulsory yellow fever vaccination, food in Mopti and a possible excursion to Djenné.
The price for a balafon is 400.-euros.
The deadline for the inscription is on the 3rd of November 2009.
The inscription is valid after a 200.- euros deposit (PayPal payment).
The deadline for buying the flight tickets is on the 6th of November (30 days before departure).
600.-euros must be paid before this date.
The rest of the total price has to be paid on-the-spot.
It is possible to book the flight back later for those who would like to travel in Africa after the workshop (Dogon country, Sikasso, Bobo Dioulasso, Bamako, etc.).
Maximum number of participants : 7
You can reserve directly by ordering
online.
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