Sheku Kanneh-Mason & Plínio Fernandes
Saturday 16th May 2026, 7:30pm
Cumnock Old Church
Young British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s profile has steadily risen since winning the 2016 BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. He has since become one of the leading names in classical music today.
In this special performance, Sheku partners with his long-time collaborator, Brazilian guitarist Plínio Fernandes, to perform a programme for cello and guitar. The concert marks the launch of The Cumnock Tryst’s 2026 programme.
Immerse yourself in the passionate, sun-drenched sounds of Villa-Lobos, Piazzolla's intoxicating tangos, and contemporary Brazilian music with these two artists at the height of their creative powers, as they bring the warmth and vitality of Latin America to East Ayrshire.
We have also partnered on this event with our sister festival, Boswell Book Festival. On Saturday 9th May at midday, Sheku’s mother Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason will discuss her eloquent memoirs House of Music and To Be Young, Gifted and Black with Gillian Moore at Dumfries House.
Together, we are offering a joint-ticket at a discounted rate for attendees of both events. Full details for the Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason event will be released soon.
Programme
Heitor Villa-Lobos Aria (Cantilena) from Bachianas brasileiras No. 5
Radamés Gnattali Sonata for Cello and Guitar
Leo Brouwer Sonata for cello and guitar The Magic Space
Rafael Marino Arcaro Élégie à une mémoire oubliée
Astor Piazzolla Café 1930 and Nightclub 1960 from Histoire du Tango
Event information
7:30pm on Saturday 16th May 2026
Approximate running time: 1 hour, no interval
Tickets
Full price: £20
Local Residents and Students: £15
Registered Unemployed and Under 18s: £5
Boswell Book Festival - Joint Ticket - Full Price: £27
Boswell Book Festival - Joint Ticket - Local Resident: £22
Old Church
The Square, Cumnock KA18 1AJ
