Piano Man’s Return: Addis Anticipates the Home Concert of Ethiopian Classical Icon Girma Yifrashewa

By Dagmawit Zerihun
Published on 10/21/25

While the world clamors to witness his unique fusion of Ethiopian pentatonic melodies and Western classical grandeur, Addis Ababa is on bated breath, awaiting the next home-soil performance of its own classical music virtuoso, Girma Yifrashewa. Fresh off a monumental appearance at Carnegie Hall in June and a string of acclaimed international tours, including a recent UK journey that climaxed at London's prestigious Wigmore Hall, Yifrashewa's presence always signals a significant cultural event for the capital.

​The acclaimed composer and pianist has spent much of 2024 and 2025 performing his signature repertoire—pieces that masterfully blend the distinct scales of Ethiopian traditional music with the technical demands of composers like Chopin, whom Yifrashewa cites as a favorite. His music is a powerful testament to "bridging cultures," a theme he often embraces.

​As of late October, there is no immediate, confirmed concert date for Girma Yifrashewa in Addis Ababa for the coming weeks. However, his frequent local appearances, often at venues like the Zenkel Hall or the Sheraton Hotel, mean that cultural announcements should be monitored closely. His performances are rare domestic treats, often selling out quickly as he inspires new generations of musicians, many of whom train at the Yared School of Music where he has ties as a Musical Director.

​His latest album, My Strong Will (2023), continues to be a point of pride, and any upcoming concert would likely feature its tracks alongside new works. Yifrashewa’s success abroad, including a major Kennedy Center performance in April 2025, underscores his status as a leading figure in African pianism, making his next Addis performance an essential event for classical music lovers.

For Addis Ababa’s art scene, the question is not if Girma Yifrashewa will perform again soon—but when. And when that moment comes, it will undoubtedly stand as one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year.