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Esperanza Spalding
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 • 7:30 p.m.
Uncanny instrumental jazz chops, soaring vocals spanning three languages and composing/arranging talent cross-fluent in both old school and new edge: Bassist/vocalist/composer Esperanza Spalding owns the x-factor. No one was surprised when she enrolled in Berklee College of Music at 16, and became its youngest faculty member at 20. Playing in the big leagues, the young veteran has already landed touring and recording gigs with such other prodigies as Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, Joe Lovano and Pat Metheny, and been named 2008 Best New Artist in the recent Jazz Times Readers’ Poll. Not bad for 23.
Spanish Brass
Thursday, February 4, 2010 • 7:30 p.m.
When Spanish Brass, one of the world’s foremost quintets, nailed the 1996 Narbonne International Brass Quintet Competition — the most prestigious event of its kind on the planet — one expert declared the group the best medalist since the competition’s founding. Known for its seriously superior musicianship, flawlessly fun-loving performances and wacky taste in socks, Spanish Brass consistently leaves audiences standing and cheering for more.
On Ensemble
Thursday, March 4, 2010 • 7:30 p.m.
Four extraordinary musicians transform centuries-old traditions and utterly esoteric instruments into urban-club trendy with a hip-hop edge. Wielding rare Japanese drums and modern Icelandic electronica with equal ease, On Ensemble exhibits a fearless mix of intercultural crossovers and a ground-breaking diversity of influences. While the group performs with such 21st-century artists as Stevie Wonder, Grammy-nominated fusion icons, cutting-edge filmmakers and avant-garde theatre, On’s revered taiko drum-maker has been instrument supplier to the emperor of Japan and others for nearly 150 years.
Previous Performances
Carducci String Quartet
Thursday, October 22, 2009 • 7:30 p.m.
One of Europe’s top young ensembles, the Carducci String Quartet has already swept seven international chamber music competitions in its short career, including the 2007 U.S. Concert Artist Guild’s award, Jury Prize at the 2006 London International, and first-place awards in Finland, France and Japan. Oh, and a 2008 Royal Philharmonic Music Awards nomination — Britain’s classical music equivalent of the Grammys. The Anglo-Irish ensemble of two married couples is committed to scholarship in the classics as well as leading-edge contemporary works, introducing a passion for impeccable music to the next generation of maestros.
Pablo Ziegler Trio
Thursday, September 17, 2009 • 7:30 p.m.
Reigning master of sensuous tango-jazz alchemy, Latin Grammy-winning pianist/composer Pablo Ziegler delivers an unlikely mix of gypsy bravado, red hot duende and classic cool. His early partnership with the late tanguero Astor Piazzolla — Argentina’s beloved Gershwin — gave the brilliant young Ziegler a life-altering chance to infuse old-world tradition with daring improvisation and dazzling jazz, all while claiming Bach as inspiration. What artist earns equal honors in Buenos Aires, New Orleans and New York? Only a stellar musical magician.
