Latin Fiesta
The Latin Fiesta ensemble has won wide acclaim as a pioneer in the presentation of crossover concerts. The ensemble is led by award winning performers Maria del Pico Taylor, Cuban born pianist and Raymond Taylor, English born violinist. The composition of the group consists of Maria-piano, Raymond Taylor-violin, Vania Taylor-lead vocalist, Cynthia Folio-flute, Fernando Valencia, Tom Lowery, Christian Noguera and Cuco Aponte on Latin percussion, Kevin MacConnell-bass, Liliana Ruiz Davis-Latin/Flamenco dancer. The unorthodox composition of this ensemble lends itself to exciting and versatile programming. Rarely does one hear a crossover concert that shifts from a hot salsa tune to a classical work by Albeniz, and then incorporates a contemporary Latin version of a Baroque Concerto Grosso, or a recent commissioned piece by Oscar Hernandez, Carlos Franzetti, Arturo O'Farrill or Tania Leon, ending with the audience rising out of their seats to join in an Afro-Cuban conga line.
Latin Fiesta inaugurated a large Hispanic music Festival in Philadelphia called "Hispanos... Many Roots... Many Faces..." in 2004, in keeping with their mission of sharing the richness of the Hispanic musical heritage with audiences at large. At these yearly Festivals they have premiered several works written by award winning Hispanic composers. LF is on the roster of the Preserving Diverse Cultures program of the PCA and of Young Audiences of Eastern Pennsylvania. Under their auspices they perform for thousands of children yearly. After an educational concert at The Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center in New Jersey the director wrote: "Latin Fiesta's ability to weave audience participation and cultural information into the program while maintaining a seemingly seamless rhythm was more than just professional, it was art."
Latin Fiesta performs nationwide in a variety of venues ranging from school assemblies and residencies to concert halls, festivals and appearances as soloists with Symphony Orchestras. Concert highlights include the Opening Celebrations of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Welcome America Festival on the Parkway, Repertorio Espanol in New York, a pre-concert encounter with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music, Bethlehem Musikfest, Raices Festival at the Wilmington Opera House, Caribbean Festival at Penns Landing and guest appearances with The Philadelphia Classical Symphony, Delaware Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony in Michigan,Jackson Symphony Orchestra in Tennessee, Pottstown Symphony and the Signature Symphony in Tulsa OK.
The critics have hailed every member of Latin Fiesta as virtuoso artists: "lead vocalist combines the passion and power of Linda Ronstadt with the energy of Gloria Estefan"... "A brilliant percussion section"... "The powerful pianist mesmerized the capacity audience"... "The violinist showed great virtuosity and wonderful ensemble playing"... "With the Spanish dancer trading exciting flamenco heel clicks with the percussionists, and a dynamic bass player, Latin Fiesta set down a sizzling rumba beat".
To learn more about the ensemble and hear their music, please visit latinfiestainc.com.
This event is in conjunction with the College's fourth Articulture Biennial Arts Festival: Multiculturalism & Heritage in Contemporary Art.