In the summer of 2016, Soprano, Dawn Padmore & Guitartist, Baye Mahanta Diop collaborated on arrangements of traditional West African songs of her repertoire, creating a "classical meets 'tradi-moderne' sound. This song is in the Klao language of Liberia. Dεh Blah Nyכ Wisseh (Traditional Klao song, Liberia) Arranged by: Baye Mahanta Diop & Dawn Padmore Dawn Padmore: Vocals Baye Mahanta Diop: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass, and Percussion Oh Blacksmith Wisseh, the devil is finishing your children Oh. Ever since Wisseh went to blacksmith(went to work) The devil is finishing your children. This song teaches husbands who do not give their families the proper protection by being constantly away from home. In this folktale, Wisseh is used as an example. He was guilty of going to work and not returning home on time to be with his family. – Translation and story background by the University of Liberia Chorus Archives. Special thanks to William Ponder Dawn Padmore, Liberian-born soprano, a versatile classical artist, is known for presenting diverse repertoire to listeners internationally. Referred to as “a resonating soprano” by Bernard Holland, music critic of The New York Times, Ms. Padmore has performed in acclaimed venues such as Carnegie Hall; the Kennedy Center (Washington DC); and, the Miller Theater (New York City), renowned for its presentation of music by contemporary composers. She was most recently featured as part of the acclaimed New York City Salon/Sanctuary Series, where she performed a program of West African songs in collaboration with a line-up of internationally renowned musicians. The performance was a “top weekend pick” in the New York Times Arts section, and received a positive review from the popular opera blog, Voce di Meche, which referred to her as one who “sings with a generosity of spirit and lovely tone”. Ms. Padmore’s Toronto debut recital was reviewed by the Toronto Star as a “series of musical confections smartly wrapped in a silky soprano.” As a featured soloist in the world premiere of Akin Euba’s opera, Orunmila’s Voices, with the Jefferson Performing Arts Society Orchestra, Ms. Padmore’s performance was considered “a highlight of the evening”(New Orleans Times-Picayune). Ms. Padmore was invited to sing at the inauguration of the Republic of Liberia’s President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female African president, and performed for Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu in Minneapolis as part of the annual National Youth Leadership Council’s conference. She has performed internationally – in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and North America. Festivals include the Festival of Sacred and Profane Music in Martinique and the annual New Music Indaba Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. Ms. Padmore has also performed as a soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Civic Orchestra (MN) and the Delaware Symphony. She was a young studio artist with the Des Moines Metro Opera Company. Ms. Padmore has collaborated with a range of notable musicians and composers including Kofo the Wonderman, talking drum master; Malian master kora player Yacouba Sissoko; Baye Mahanta Diop, lead guitarist of Cheikh Lo’s Le Ndiguel Band; scholars and composers, Akin Euba, Kwabena Nketia, Haleem El-Dabh, Bongani Ndodan-Breen, Fred “O”, and Chandler Carter. Competitions won include the Austrian American Society Competition (DE), the Metropolitan Opera Guild Competition Midwest District Winner, and the Delaware Symphony Concerto Competition. Baye Mahanta Diop, guitarist, composer, arranger and recorded artist, who is known for his agility and ability to create nuanced sounds inspired by the traditional music of his home country, Senegal. Born and raised in Fatick, Senegal and a self-taught musician, at the age of 12, Diop began learning to play the guitar by building his own – an oil can and string. After a year, his uncle bought him an acoustic guitar, and he took to the instrument, later adding electric guitar. He honed his skills by playing with bands in hotels. Considered “one of the best young guitarists on the scene” by The Guardian UK, Baye has served as lead guitarist for internationally renowned artist Cheikh Lo’s Band Ndiguel, and has shared the stage with several stellar performing artists such as Papa Wemba, Manu Dibango, Abdou Diop, and a host of top Cape Verdian musicians. He has toured with Cheikh Lo, in North America, Europe, Asia, and the United States of America.