Kamilla Arku (piano)

Liberian-Norwegian pianist Kamilla Arku draws on her diverse background as inspiration for her work as a performer, scholar and educator.
About this Event

Free admission | Donations welcome

Programme

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou
The Homeless Wanderer

Mel Bonis
Desdemona

Ludovic Lamothe
Danza No. 3

Marcelle de Manziarly
Impressions de Mer – Une journée clair

Duke Ellington
Single Petal of a Rose

Fred Onovwerosuoke
Okoye
Aye Dance no. 3

Kamilla Arku
Run

Fela Sowande
Pastourelle

Margaret Bonds
Troubled Water

Artist Bio

Displaying an artistry that “provides a space to breathe and take in the world around us,” (Culture is Free) Liberian-Norwegian pianist Kamilla Arku draws on her diverse background as inspiration for her work as a performer, scholar and educator. Recent highlights include performances for Lyric Opera of Chicago, MoMA PS1, the Royal Opera House and National Sawdust, and her latest release is a collaboration with composer Dameun Strange out on Nonclassical. In the 2023-24 season, Kamilla also joined Madonna’s “Celebration Tour” as a piano coach and teacher, and she also appears on Madonna’s latest album, Confessions II.

With a creative practice that also includes improvisation, composition and writing, and nonprofit work, Kamilla is committed to promoting diversity in the arts through her performances and interdisciplinary collaborations with choreographers, filmmakers and visual artists. Along with her creative partner April Koyejo Audiger, she looks forward to an artistic residency at Britten Pears in 2027. Kamilla is also the founder and Director of Music for Liberia, a nonprofit which supports young people in Liberia.

Kamilla is a graduate of Yale University and the Royal Northern College of Music, and is currently a PhD candidate in Musicology at New York University. Her most recent publication is for Women & Music: A Journal of Gender & Culture and she looks forward to a publication in Cambridge University Press in 2027.

Independent Production

Experience inspiring performances by top emerging artists in our historic venue, renowned for its superb acoustics. Our recitals are programmed in collaboration with leading music colleges and charities, providing a platform for the stars of tomorrow. Discover exceptional talent in a unique settting.

Free admission | Donations welcome

Whether £5 or any amount you’re able to give. Donations can be made in cash in the basket on your way out, or by tap donation at the machines at our exits. Your generosity helps support our cultural events and charitable services. Thank you.