Leyla McCalla live in Hamburg

Experience Leyla McCalla live on November 29th

Leyla McCalla is a Haitian-American musician whose work blends elements of folk, jazz, Caribbean rhythms, and classical music. Rooted in the traditions of her Haitian heritage and years spent studying cello, her compositions often feature arrangements for banjo, guitar, and cello alongside nuanced vocals frequently sung in Creole, French, and English. McCalla’s artistic focus frequently explores themes of history, identity, and social justice, drawing inspiration from field recordings and archival research. She is known for her former association with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an African-American string band.

The concert will take place at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany on November 29th, 2026. This concert hall is a landmark building situated on the Elbe River harbor front. Construction began in 2007 and was completed in 2017 after significant delays and cost overruns. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the building comprises a historical warehouse structure (the Kaispeicher A) topped by a striking glass superstructure.