The music of Africa will be performed Feb. 16 in a special program sponsored by Mississippi State's Percussion Ensemble and Concert Choir.
The university student groups will be joined by Jordan Benissan, a master musician from the West African nation of Togo, for a free 7:30 p.m. public concert at Starkville's St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The accompaniment by Benissan will conclude his weeklong residency in the music education department. While in Starkville, he will present lectures and perform traditional African music to students both at MSU and area public schools.
A part of the music education department's celebration of the national Black History Month observance, Benissan's visit is made possible through a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. The University Honors Program and Lois C. Kaufman Endowment for Music Education at MSU also are sponsors.
The percussion ensemble was founded several years ago by assistant professor Robert J. Damm, a specialist in the African musical heritage. Led by Damm, the members study and perform the polyrhythmic drumming primarily associated with the Ewe-speaking people of the coastal regions of Togo and neighboring Ghana.
The concert choir is directed by associate professor Jeffrey L. Pappas.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church is located at 607 University Drive.
For more information on the concert, telephone (662) 325-3070.
