“Okonkwo” performed by Patrick Hughes and Soha Quartet.
I was inspired to write this piece after reading the great 1958 debut novel by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, “Things Fall Apart”.
On an impenetrably dark night, the priestess Chielo takes Ezinma, Okonkwo’s daughter on a mysterious journey.
Chinua Achebe draws Okonkwo’s character so precisely with his words - I felt so close to him while I was writing this piece. Hesitant but persistent, driven by so many powerful, complex and contrasting emotions.
It was first commissioned by Aliyah Danielle for the 2025 International Horn Symposium.
