The Evolution of Family – Introducing the Kenya International Cello Festival

The inaugural Kenya International Cello Festival will take place January 3-12, 2022 in Nairobi, Thika, Nyeri and Nanyuki Kenya. Born out of a deep dedication to the students of Korogocho and Ghetto Classics, the festival’s classes and performances will speak to a wide tapestry of compositional voices – all in the hopes of reflecting the interwoven cultural fabric of Kenya. Robert Howard and Rebecca Merblum, Artistic Directors. Anthony R. Green, Composer in Residence.

It began so simply. One phone call to Elizabeth Njorge. Within two days I was working with students. And within a week I was part of the family. I should say that I had followed Ghetto Classics for quite some time and was keenly aware of Quartuor Ebène’s visit on their Beethoven World Tour.

That said, I would never have guessed what was to unfold. The past 18 months with the students and community of Ghetto Classics have truly changed me. We continue to meet three to four times a week. Our work encompasses private lessons, music history, theory, ear training, chamber music and just talking about life. The past year has included international masterclasses with colleagues of mine from the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Kneisel Hall, Cavani Quartet, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. And most recently Amos Lee of the San Francisco Symphony and Elinor Frey, a baroque specialist.

But this lens of activities paints a small picture of this amazing tapestry. Elizabeth and Levi (also a director with Ghetto Classics) have become dear colleagues. Supportive beyond belief – at every turn. Erick, the orchestral leader has helped with countless zoom calls and organization with the students.

And Robert. My partner in this adventure. We met 20 years ago through a dear friend in San Francisco. And now we share this amazing bond that we hope to share with so many of you. We have the privilege of knowing the children of Korogocho. For whom music heals and offers hope for a different world. Their willingness to learn and to connect is boundless. I have worked with many students, this energy is unlike any I have ever encountered and even on the sleepiest of mornings (I teach them at 6am) I leave a lesson with only the deepest desire to do more, to be more and to share all of myself.

So, these students are now my family. Many call me Mum, and I love them deeply. For what they face and the grace with which they carry themselves.

And, oh yeah, the music. We create together. The Kenya International Cello Festival awaits – January 3-7. After a week of classes and rehearsals with a beautiful collection of artists, we will tour Kenya for four days with incredibly textured and collaborative programs. This will be the first festival of its kind in the country of Kenya. It is an honor. To reflect the depth of the cultural landscape and to offer new threads inside of this already rich tapestry. We can’t wait!