BUFFALO CHAMBER PLAYERS PERFORM THE MUSIC OF LATIN AMERICA
The Buffalo Chamber Players continue their critically acclaimed concert series at Buffalo Seminary on Wednesday, November 2, with a program exploring the chamber music of Latin America. The evening will feature the entire Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s cello section in a performance of one of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos’ best known works, Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for soprano and cello orchestra.
Latin America encompasses a wide range of musical styles reflecting its rich cultural heritage and diversity. Infusing European art music with indigenous elements, the music of Latin America developed its own distinct sounds, unique to the New World.
The concert program includes works by Revueltas, Ginastera, Ravel, D’Rivera, Piazzolla and Villa-Lobos.
Silvestre Revueltas is considered one of Mexico’s most prominent and influential composers. In a 1937 article in the New York Times, Aaron Copland praises Revueltas’ music, writing that it “leaves one with a feeling of the abundance and vitality of life.” Revueltas’ Ocho Por Radio exemplifies his borrowing of popular Mexican music and turning it into his own.
Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera is one of South America’s most important Classical composers. His Pampeana No. 2 is a musical portrait of the great plains of Argentina. This virtuosic tour de force will be performed by BPO associate principal cellist Feng Hew and pianist Alison D’Amato.
In mid-19th century Cuba, the habanera was all the rage. This popular dance music eventually made its way to Spain and other parts of Europe, making its most famous incarnation in Bizet’s opera Carmen. Two habaneras will be featured on the program: French master Maurice Ravel’s Piece en Forme d’un Habanera and Cuban Jazz composer Paquito D’Rivera’s Habanera for string trio.
Argentine composer and bandoneon player Astor Piazzolla revolutionized traditional Argentine tango, infusing it with elements of Jazz and Classical music. Invierno Porteño for piano trio is part of Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, a tip of the hat to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Soprano Sebnem Mekinulov will join the BPO cello section for Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5.
The concert takes place at Buffalo Seminary, 205 Bidwell Parkway at 7:30 PM, and is open to the public. Tickets are $15/$5 for students and available here and at the door.
