Join us for the final two concerts of IMI’s 30th season, featuring master musicians from Africa and America in electrifying performances that fuse classical and traditional sounds from across the globe.
February 9, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Dance to the pulse of West Africa with legendary, Grammy-nominated, Malian musician Cheick Hamala Diabate and an ensemble of master instrumentalists.
April 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Discover the bold and brilliant piano repertoire of Black American composers, performed by the visionary Chelsea Randall, with special guest Malang Jobarteh on kora.
TWO EVENTS.
TWO GROUNDBREAKING CONCERTS.
ONE UNFORGETTABLE FINALE.
Join us for the final two concerts of IMI’s 30th season,
featuring master musicians from Africa and America
in electrifying performances that fuse classical and
traditional sounds from across the globe.
February 9, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Dance to the pulse of West Africa with legendary, Grammy-nominated, Malian musician Cheick Hamala Diabate and an ensemble of master instrumentalists.
April 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Discover the bold and brilliant piano repertoire of Black American composers, performed by the visionary Chelsea Randall, with special guest Malang Jobarteh on kora.
SONGS OF AFRICA
NPR Tiny Desk Alum, Cheick Hamala Diabate’s Explosive Afrobeat and Banjo Blend: Music to Move the World
SONGS OF
AFRICA
NPR Tiny Desk Alum, Cheick Hamala Diabate’s Explosive Afrobeat and Banjo Blend: Music to Move the World
Cheick Hamala Diabate
Malian kontingo master, blending Afrobeat, bluegrass, and American roots music
Cheick Hamala Diabate
Malian kontingo master, blending Afrobeat, bluegrass, and American roots music
Yacouba Sissoko
Master of the kora, bringing the mystical sounds of Mali to life
Yuma Bellomee
A rhythmic force on the djembe, driving the beat of celebration
Songs Of Africa Ensemble
A powerhouse group bringing African music traditions to the world stage
Experience the vibrant rhythms of West Africa
A Night of music, dance, and storytelling
Witness a global fusion of sounds
from reggae and Afrobeat to bluegrass and traditional chants
Feel the energy of a live performance
move your soul and spirit
Yacouba Sissoko
Master of the kora, bringing the mystical sounds of Mali to life
Yuma Bellomee
A rhythmic force on the djembe, driving the beat of celebration
Songs Of Africa Ensemble
A powerhouse group bringing African music traditions to the world stage
Experience the Vibrant
Rhythms of West Africa
A Night of music, dance, and storytelling
Witness a global fusion of sounds
from reggae and Afrobeat to bluegrass and traditional chants
Feel the energy of a live performance
move your soul and spirit
Listen to
Cheick Hamala Diabate
Cheick Hamala Diabate's album Ake Doni Doni has garnered attention from music critics for its innovative fusion of African and American musical traditions. In a review for Perceptive Travel, the album was described as "Malian banjo lands on the banks of the Potomac," highlighting Diabate's impressive musical pedigree and his ability to blend traditional Malian sounds with American influences.
Listen to
Cheick Hamala Diabate
Cheick Hamala Diabate's album Ake Doni Doni has garnered attention from music critics for its innovative fusion of African and American musical traditions. In a review for Perceptive Travel, the album was described as "Malian banjo lands on the banks of the Potomac," highlighting Diabate's impressive musical pedigree and his ability to blend traditional Malian sounds with American influences.
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 9TH
3:00 PM CST
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
45 West Lockwood Avenue St. Louis, MO 63119
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 9TH
3:00 PM CST
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
45 West Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119
AMERICANMAVERICKS
Old Meets New: Chelsea Randall’s Bold Programming Brings Classical Music to New Heights
Chelsea Randall
Acclaimed pianist dedicated to uncovering and celebrating Black American composers
Malang Jobarteh
Gambian kora master, known for his spellbinding melodies and rich musical storytelling
AMERICAN
MAVERICKS
Old Meets New: Chelsea Randall’s Bold Programming Brings Classical Music to New Heights
Chelsea Randall
Acclaimed pianist dedicated to uncovering and celebrating Black American composers
Malang Jobarteh
Gambian kora master, known for his spellbinding melodies and rich musical storytelling
Discover bold, breathtaking compositions by Black American composers
music that deserves to be heard
Experience the fusion of classical piano and kora
a conversation between two rich musical traditions
Witness musical mastery
Randall and Jobarteh take you on an unforgettable sonic journey
Discover bold, breathtaking compositions by Black American composers
music that deserves to be heard
Experience the fusion of classical piano and kora
a conversation between two rich musical traditions
Witness musical mastery
Randall and Jobarteh take you on an unforgettable sonic journey
Listen to
Chelsea Randall
Pianist Chelsea Randall has been lauded for her "sensitive and intuitive playing," and her "eclectic programming in which she explores the tensions and connections between old and new music," bringing a unique and often interdisciplinary approach to her programming.
– I Care If You Listen
Listen to
Chelsea Randall
Pianist Chelsea Randall has been lauded for her "sensitive and intuitive playing," and her "eclectic programming in which she explores the tensions and connections between old and new music," bringing a unique and often interdisciplinary approach to her programming.
– I Care If You Listen
FRIDAY
APRIL 25TH
7:00 PM CST
Dayspring Baptist Church
1001 Municipal Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63131
FRIDAY
APRIL 25TH
7:00 PM CST
Dayspring Baptist Church
1001 Municipal Center Drive
St. Louis, MO 63131
"Cultural diversity at the heart of our core values…"
Fred Onovwerosuoke
“OH-NOH-WEH-roh-suoh-keh”
Multi-Award Winning Composer &
Founder, Intercultural Music Initiative
What is IMI?
For 30 years the Intercultural Music Initiative (IMI) has been at the forefront of musical diversity—bringing together artists from around the world to create transformative concert experiences.
Founded as the St. Louis African Chorus in 1994 by Fred Onovwerosuoke, IMI has evolved into a leading force in intercultural programming, blending contemporary works by lesser-known composers with celebrated global traditions.
Our Mission is to build bridges between cultures through music, celebrating the richness of African and Western classical traditions.
A Message From Our Founder
As we approach the grand finale of the 2024-25 Intercultural Music Initiative (IMI) Season, I reflect on our mission to bring the world closer through music. Music is a universal language, and IMI exists to celebrate the beauty of diverse expressions while creating bridges between cultures.
For our closing performances, we are honored to present two extraordinary concerts. These performances showcase the essence of IMI’s mission—blending past and present, tradition and innovation, Africa and the world. They are a testament to the boundless creativity that emerges when cultures intersect, and I invite you to be part of this extraordinary experience.
We are deeply grateful to the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, Missouri Arts Council, and Whitaker Foundation for their generous support to make this season possible. Your presence at these concerts not only celebrates our artists but also sustains the vital work of cultural storytelling through music. Join us as we close this season on a high note—two unforgettable evenings of world-class performances await you.
"Cultural diversity at the heart of our core values…"
What is IMI?
For 30 years the Intercultural Music Initiative (IMI) has been at the forefront of musical diversity—bringing together artists from around the world to create transformative concert experiences.
Founded as the St. Louis African Chorus in 1994 by Fred Onovwerosuoke, IMI has evolved into a leading force in intercultural programming, blending contemporary works by lesser-known composers with celebrated global traditions.
Our Mission is to build bridges between cultures through music, celebrating the richness of African and Western classical traditions.
A Message From Our Founder
Fred Onovwerosuoke
“OH-NOH-WEH-roh-suoh-keh”
Multi-Award Winning Composer &
Founder, Intercultural Music Initiative
As we approach the grand finale of the 2024-25 Intercultural Music Initiative (IMI) Season, I reflect on our mission to bring the world closer through music. Music is a universal language, and IMI exists to celebrate the beauty of diverse expressions while creating bridges between cultures.
For our closing performances, we are honored to present two extraordinary concerts. These performances showcase the essence of IMI’s mission—blending past and present, tradition and innovation, Africa and the world. They are a testament to the boundless creativity that emerges when cultures intersect, and I invite you to be part of this extraordinary experience.
We are deeply grateful to the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, Missouri Arts Council, and Whitaker Foundation for their generous support to make this season possible. Your presence at these concerts not only celebrates our artists but also sustains the vital work of cultural storytelling through music. Join us as we close this season on a high note—two unforgettable evenings of world-class performances await you.
For more information, call: +1 314.652.6800
For more information, call: +1 314.652.6800
FUNDING PROVIDED BY
FUNDING PROVIDED BY