The Grand Rapids Symphony will present “Latin Fire,” a fast-moving collage of musical textures, dancing and other dramatic elements that reflect the Latin spirit on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 at 8 p.m. in DeVos Performance Hall.
Creatively directed by Music Director David Lockington, “Latin Fire” will feature three soloists and a Flamenco dancer who will perform with the Grammy-nominated Symphony to create a fiery evening full of exotic Latin flair. The concert, which will showcase music of Spain, Latin America and Mexico is part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series.
“We really wanted to create textures, rhythms and passionate moods all next to each another in really short bursts, with a couple of different soloists,” Lockington explained. “The result will be a fast-paced evening that is song-filled, dance-filled and flamboyant.
“This is the Symphony’s second concert this year that underscores our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our hope is to create a deeper level of engagement with the Latino community in West Michigan.”
The program will feature three soloists and a Flamenco dancer:
· Jason Vieaux, one of America’s leading classical guitarists. He has performed widely with symphonies across the country and credited with changing the face of guitar programming. He is the youngest first-prize winner in the history of the prestigious Guitar Foundation of American International Competition. In addition to his duties as a performer, he is the head of the Cleveland Institute of Music Guitar Department.
· Peter Soave, a bandoneon and concert accordian player who has won multiple awards for his work, including the inaugural Voce d’Oro, an international award honoring those who have given prominence to the accordion in the world of modern music. He has performed with orchestras and chamber ensembles through the world.
· Dylana Jenson, a violinist who has performed with major orchestras in the United States and traveled to Europe and Latin American for concerts, recitals and recordings. She has been described as a “mature master’ by The New York Times. In addition to her solo career, she teaches master classes and at summer music festivals. She was made an honorary citizen of Costa Rica in honor of her artistic contribution to her mother’s homeland.
· Irma Suárez Ruíz is an accomplished Flamenco dancer and the first dancer of Ensemble Espanol in Chicago. A native of Chicago, she secured an arts grant to introduce area youth to the art of Spanish dance. Performing regularly, she also serves as a special guest artist for ballet and other dance companies.
Tickets start at $18 and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder), or by calling 616.454.9451, Ext. 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.) Tickets are available at the DeVos Place Box Office, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through ticketmaster.com , 1.800.982.2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Stores and Walmart. This is a student passport concert.
To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.
