Music

We continue with Flamenco Sound Series which features a musical and dance recital between Jerez’s David Carpio, known for his interest in taking traditional Flamenco to a new place, who will be joined by long-time collaborator Francisco Vinuesa on guitar. As is Carpio’s style to collaborate with other artists, the Spanish artists will be joined by Miami’s Irene Lozano who will add a touch of dance to this authentic Flamenco musical recital.

Award-winning concert pianist and young Steinway artist, Talon Smith, is the featured guest pianist for the final Chopin for All of the season. His performances in Europe and across the USA have been met with high praise and he is currently under the mentorship of Garrick Ohlsson. Join us at 3PM on May 15 at the Granada Church to hear works by Chopin, and the world premier of Talon’s own composition.

South Florida’s best piano students will perform the music of Frédéric Chopin as part of the monthly Chopin for All free concert series. The young pianists are recommended by their private piano teachers and then, along with scores of other young pianists, audition before a panel of professional artists/jurors to obtain a coveted spot on the recital program. The finest piano students from S. Florida, all under the age of 18, were selected to perform at the Young Pianist Concert. ALL CHOPIN PROGRAM Israel Garcia / Waltz in A minor, Opus posth., No. 19 Lana Tan / Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2 Andrew Gedde / Fantaisie-Impromptu Op. 66 Amelia Weimar / Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. Posth Joshua Safont / Impromptu in A flat Major, Op. 29 Christopher Rocha / Waltz in B minor, Op. 69, No. 2 Michael Drew / Nocturne in G minor, Op. 15, No. 3 David Espinosa / Polonaise in G minor Lili Dagan / Etude Op. 25, No. 2 in F minor Jin Yang Li / Ballade No. 1 in G minor Nicolas Lama / Nocturne in C-sharp minor, No. 20 Jocelyn De Young / Fantaisie-Impromptu Op. 66 Luna Zanna / Etude Op. 10, No. 1 in C Major Luke Yang / Ballade No. 2, Op. 38 in F Major Tiger Ren / Nocturne in F minor Op. 55, No. 1 Lilli Theisen / Scherzo No. 2, Op. 31

Everglades National Park, Songbook Suite is a FREE Concert. The vastly resplendent Everglades is considered the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. It is home to rare and endangered species such as the manatee, American alligator, and the Florida panther. It has inspired countless works of literature and art, most notably The Everglades: River of Grass by Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who proved to be instrumental in creating an awareness of the area, and in spearheading the movement to preserve it. It also moved Grammy-nominated musician, composer, and producer Jose Elias to create the Everglades Songbook Suite (ESS). A 2016 Artist in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) fellow, Elias wrote the music for ESS after spending considerable time in the Everglades National Park, and ESS stands as the creative and artistic statement of his experiences there. The project, which was originally set to launch in 2020, first came to fruition on June 21, 2021 as a virtual performance film co-produced with Live Arts Miami and AIRIE for International World Music Day. The piece is a collection of compositions and soundscapes that celebrates the sights and sounds of the Florida Everglades by juxtaposing a stunning variety of acoustic instruments with field recordings. “I’m very happy to once again have the opportunity to perform the ESS in the environment that inspired the piece in the first place,” says Elias, who is also the founder and executive director of the Miami-based non-profit organization Community Arts & Culture (CAC). “To have it coincide with the 75th anniversary of the national park is a personal and professional honor.”

Leyla McCalla finds inspiration from her past and present, whether it is her Haitian heritage or her adopted home of New Orleans, she — a bilingual multi-instrumentalist, and alumna of Grammy award-winning African-American string band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops — has risen to produce a distinctive sound that reflects the union of her roots and experience. This Haitian Heritage Month, join Live Arts Miami to experience McCalla’s latest project, Breaking the Thermometer to Hide the Fever, a new multidisciplinary performance work exploring themes of exile, return, and the complexities of what it means to be Haitian. Breaking the Thermometer is inspired by the legacy of Radio Haiti-Inter, Haiti’s first independent radio station to broadcast news in Haitian Creole—the voice of the people—until the assassination of the station’s founder, Jean Dominque. The title is derived from a proverb used by Dominique to describe the spirit of Haiti’s marginalized poor in the face of violence and political oppression. Directed by renowned theater director Kiyoko McCrae, the work weaves together arrangements of Haitian songs, traditional dances, audio and video recordings from Duke’s Radio Haiti Archive, and Leyla’s own personal storytelling. Through this juxtaposition of voices — the personal and political, the anecdotal and the journalistic — McCalla gives expression to the enduring spirit of Haiti’s people Leyla McCalla is also set to release her new album, entitled Breaking The Thermometer, featuring music from this project in conjunction with her Miami performance on May 6. The album features sophisticated melodies and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with lyrics in English and Haitian Creole.

The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center welcomes the public for the Seventh Annual Sankofa Jazz Fest About this event The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center presents the 7th Annual Sankofa Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Headlining the family-friendly, celebratory event for 2022 is six-time GRAMMY nominee jazz pianist Christian Sands with the Christian Sands Trio. The Sankofa Jazz Fest highlights the diversity of arts that arose from the African diaspora and showcases both local and emerging artists that embody the spirit of African heritage jazz artists. The accomplished Christian Sands Trio will highlight their wide repertoire, which draws from historic and contemporary sources. They will be joined by Melton Mustafa, Jr., “Mustafa on Sax,” a two-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist and educator, in addition to Aniye Strachan, Robert Bradley, Luis Disla, Arnitris Williams, John Dixon, and HOT 105's Rodney Baltimore. The Festival will also feature a gallery exhibit, local art for purchase, and food vendors. The gallery exhibit, titled “We The People,” honors prolific late Miami muralist, Oscar Thomas, on the 25th anniversary of his passing. The exhibit features three decades of Thomas’s work, a photography collection of his murals, and never-before-seen videos, in addition to a tribute showcase that highlights local and international talent inspired by Thomas’s legacy. For more information call 305-638-6771 or email us at ahcac@miamidade.gov. https://www.ahcacmiami.org/event/7th-annual-sankofa-jazz-festival/ The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center is managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, with funding support from the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, CART, and/or any accommodation to participate in African Heritage Cultural Arts Center sponsored programs or meetings, please contact Gloria Diaz at 305-638-6771 or ahcac@miamidade.gov, at least (5) five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service.)

Ella-Miau by Juan Trigos Opera in one Act for soprano and ensemble Libretto by Juan Trigos S. Synopsis The madness was present. It dwelled outside of her, since she, She-Meow, was born. It assumed the female form. She wore a mother’s hat obsessed with the idea of being a cat. Later, the waters of madness, drowned her person, and she, Ella-Miau, was left with nothing. No home. No father. Not even her self. Treasuring a mother’s affections, which she never had. Antonio Camacho Oropeza, stage director Juan Trigos, conductor Daniela D’Ingiullo, soprano La Coperacha, puppeteers Elisbeida Suárez Héctor Caro Alejandro Orozco The Last Hundred Ensemble Frank Capoferri, alto saxophone Vladimir Ibarra, electric guitar Noel Halloway, percussion Chen-Hui Jen, piano/electric piano Salvador Rodríguez, pictures Olga Gámez, artistic direction, puppetry and costumes César Camarena, scenography and puppetry José Camacho, videos Marcos García, lighting

A Night of L'Opera in the City is an Opera Scenes Program featuring some of the best moments of the most well-known operas written by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Gounod, and Bizet. The scenes are staged in Miami, where a particular character links the different situations, and at the same time provides dramatical context. Featuring local and international artists: Megan Barrera, internationally recognized Cuban-Puerto Rican soprano, is a native of Miami Florida. She is an active performer of both opera and concert repertoire. In 2019, Ms. Barrera was the second prizewinner of the Gabriela Beňačková International Vocal Competition in the Czech Republic. In 2018, Ms. Barrera was the first prizewinner of the Certamen Nuevas Voces Ciudad de Sevilla, Spain. She was also a prizewinner of the Concorso Lirico Premio Koliqi in Milan, Italy and the International Vissi D’arte Competition in the Czech Republic. In 2017, Ms. Barrera was the first prizewinner of the Saint Petersburg Opera Guild Competition in Florida and the Rochester Oratorio Society Classical Idol Competition in New York. In 2016, Ms. Barrera was awarded the Munday Encouragement Award at the Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. Ms. Barrera has also been awarded a grant from the Anna Sosenko Assist Trust. Ms. Barrera holds a DMA and MM from Louisiana State University and a BM from the University of Miami as a full scholarship recipient. She was recently appointed Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at New World School of the Arts Miami Dade College. Herman Diaz, Cuban-American Lyric tenor praised for his range and versatility, is a graduate from University of Florida via NWSA with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance. In Florida he has been engaged with companies such as Miami Lyric Opera, The Opera Atelier, Voices of Miami, La Zarzuela among others. Mr. Diaz is co-founder and Music Director of Florida L’Opera & Zarzuela. Fernando González is a Lyric Baritone with an extensive music repertoire who has been seen working with companies such as Cuba National Opera; Florida Grand Opera, Vero Beach Opera and Palm Beach Opera. His rich repertoire includes Zarzuela and Spanish song as well as many famous opera scenes. Fernando is a member of the Gulfshore Tenors and The Latin Divos. Kiley Hernandez graduated from the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba and has over 20 years of experience as an opera singer. Upon her arrival to Miami in 2007, Kiley Hernandez participated in multiple Zarzuelas and Operas. In 2013, she founded Florida Opera Prima (FOP) to create a space and opportunities for emerging artists to develop their talents. Danilo Dominguez joins FOP as artistic director and stage manager with over 30 years experience in the Opera and Theater here in Miami. Other participating singers and actors of the company are graduates of well-known schools of art with great participation in the Zarzuela and the Opera locally and internationally including Teatro Real de Madrid, Florida Grand Opera, Sociedad Pro Arte Grateli and others. Since its inception in 2013, FOP entertains, delights and educates the diverse audiences of Miami-Dade County with cultural experiences including presentations of Classical Music, Opera, and Zarzuela. Lucia Panizza is a Uruguayan-American soprano. She graduated with her Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance with the highest honors from the University of Florida/New World School of the Arts where she was a full scholarship recipient. In Uruguay, she graduated from Universidad de la República, and attended Escuela Nacional the Arte Lirico, SODRE, where she performed the role of Susana in the opera The Marriage of Figaro, as well as several concerts. She was awarded two full scholarships by the Uruguayan Association of Musicians (SUDEI). Thereafter, she was chosen to take part at a summer program at Teatro Colon (Buenos Aires, Argentina). In the United States she has engaged with several opera companies including, The Opera Atelier, Miami Lyric Opera, Miami Classical Music Festival, and La Zarzuela Inc. Mrs. Panizza is co-founder and Executive Director of Florida L’Opera & Zarzuela. Jared Peroune, collaborative pianist, is a Doctor of Musical Arts student at the University of Miami. Quickly becoming an established collaborative musician, Jared has collaborated with a number of vocalists and instrumentalists throughout South Florida. He has been heard in concerts and recitals throughout Florida, Italy, Ireland and the United Kingdom, and in his hometown of Georgetown, Guyana. Broadening his abilities to other keyboard instruments. He is staff pianist-coach at Florida International University and piano faculty at Barry University in Miami Shores. He is also on the music staff of Florida Grand Opera as pianist-coach. Carlos Silva was born in Valera, State of Trujillo, Venezuela. Studied Voice in Caracas at the Simón Bolívar Conservatory of Music. After finishing his studies in Caracas, Carlos moved to Austria to continue his education at the Vienna Conservatory of Music, where he studied from 1996 to 2000. He also studied voice under the supervision of Renate Weniger, in Vienna, during 2000 and 2001. His most recent engagements include Madama Butterfly in Teatro Phillips de la Luz in Madrid, Spain, a Zarzuela Anthology in Jerez de la Frontera, also in Spain, a recital with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in Kuala Lumpur and diverse concerts in Miami Dade Concert Auditorium, Miami Hispanic Cultural Center and Paseo de las Artes, in Miami. He has created some successful plays for the Miami Dade County Auditorium and Arca Images: “Un Viaje de Navidad”, “El Maestro de Música”, “Venezuela arte y parte”, “Zarzuela de dos orillas” and “el Maestro de Música”. Recently, he’s performed a Gala Concert with Miami Lyric Opera in Miami. Age Appropriateness: All ages - family friendly event For updated health and safety protocols, please check the venue's website before heading out to the show.

The Koubek Center will be working with internationally renowned Flamenco Festival to bring an intimate and experimental Flamenco music series featuring the new generation of artists who are paving the way for a new way of understanding and seeing Flamenco. We present artists from Spain who can experiment in an intimate space and offer our audiences the same experience of an authentic tablao. Flamenco En Dos Orillas is an artistic residency featuring the unique collaboration between artists from Spain and local artists from Miami who will work together for a week to create a new work to be presented to the community as a public event. From Jerez de la Frontera, Santiago Lara, one the most respected names in the new generation of Spanish guitarists, will be joined by Miami’s own la “Princesa del Son” Leslie Cartaya and one of Miami’s most sought out percussionist, Venezuelan musician Adolfo Herrera to develop a new work that fuses the musical traditions of these three talented artists. Age Appropriateness: All Ages Please check with venue for updated health and safety protocols before heading out to the show.

Straight out of Havana, Cuba comes Orquesta Akokán, a blazing ensemble creating deeply soulful mambo reminiscent of Benny Moré, Pérez Prado and banda gigante of the 1940s and ’50s. They polish Cuban mambo’s golden sound to a luminous, contemporary sheen. Along the way, they imbue legendary Cuban grooves with a renewed vitality and a powerful sense of akokán, the Yoruba word used by Cubans to mean “from the heart” or “soul.” Orquesta Akokán kicked off their U.S. debut in the summer of 2018, enthralling audiences with a series of performances that culminated with a sold-out show at the Lincoln Center. This was followed by international touring throughout 2019 and early 2020, nominations for Grammy, Billboard Latin Music and Telemundo Latin American Music awards, and critical acclaim from media around the globe. This performance will mark their Miami debut. Their newest album boasts all original songs recorded at the historic, state-run Estudios Areito with Cuba’s finest players, led by the inimitable and dynamic singer José “Pepito” Gómez. The album was produced by Chulo Records’ Jacob Plasse, and includes fiery arrangements by Michael Eckroth. The ferocious and pedigreed wind and rhythm sections consist of musicians from storied groups such as Irakere, NG La Banda and Los Van Van. Robust, time-tested musical architectures of son cubano and mambo are honored and modernized through a synthesis of the rich compositional styles of Havana, New York and beyond. For updated health and safety protocols, please check the venue's website before heading out to the show.