Black and white close up shot of a man mid performance with orange and yellow edges surrounding the image.

Ballaké Sissoko 

  • Acoustic
  • Experimental
  • Ambient
  • Folk

Book early and save. Book before 27 Oct 2026 to save 10% on standard tickets or book a package – 2 events to save 15% or 3+ events to save 20%.

  • Utzon Room
  • Run time: 70 minutes Subject to change

Where West Africa’s most celebrated instrument reveals the poignant magic of storytelling

Ballaké Sissoko is a custodian of one of Africa’s oldest living traditions. A descendant of Malian Griots – hereditary keepers of history, genealogy and song – he carries a remarkable legacy in his hands, translating centuries of stories from 21 strings of the kora.  

Here, that heritage becomes a masterclass in musical conversation. Sissoko’s playing preserves and extends tradition, with a sound described by The Guardian as ‘dreamy and adventurous’. Performing a recital of original works, his kora becomes a vessel for memory and meaning, weaving ancient melodic lines with a contemporary sensibility.  

Watching Sissoko live is to be immersed in soundscapes of cascading phrases, subtle shifts and astonishing colour. In this rare event, an internationally revered master brings his instrument into vivid focus, revealing the depth, expressiveness and enduring legacy of one of the world’s greatest musical traditions.

Sydney Opera House thanks Event Partner Champagne Pommery, The Greats donors and Ezekiel Solomon AM for their support of Utzon Music.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Event details

Repertoire

Kalanso Ballaké Sissoko 
Demba Kunda Ballaké Sissoko 
N’Tomikorobougou Ballaké Sissoko / Aboubacar Diabaté 
Nalesonko Ballaké Sissoko 
Badjourou Ballaké Sissoko 
Kalata Diata Ballaké Sissoko 
Boubalaka Ballaké Sissoko / Aboubacar Diabaté 
Kouroutoukelefa Ballaké Sissoko 
Maimouna Ballaké Sissoko 

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Attending this event

Practical information about this event, ticketing and visiting. If you have questions or need help, see our general terms and conditions for tickets and events or contact us.

Ticket information

If you have further questions or need help, please refer to our general terms and conditions for tickets and events or contact a member of our team on 1300 764 849.

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Utzon Room

The Utzon Room is located on the Eastern side of the Opera House, in front of the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Best accessed through the Box Office Foyer or the Covered Concourse. All Sydney Opera House foyers are accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators).

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