MULTIFACETED VENEZUELA

Venezuelan music reflects the astonishing diversity of cultures that have forged the country’s history: the rich percussive and danced rhythms inherited from Africa; the harmonies and melodies of Europe combined with the abundant patrimony of indigenous populations. This cultural melting pot went beyond conflict and antagonism to give life to unknown languages and original forms of expression.

Quinteto Acústico Venezolano offers a panorama of traditional Venezuelan music. A journey that takes us from urban dance – the waltz and merengue of Caracas – to bambuco of the Andes, passing by more recent genres such as Onda Nueva which mixes the typically Venezuelan jorop with bossanova and jazz.

Venezuelan Roots brings together Venezuelan musicians who live all over the world. Each of them offers the fruits of their experiences which were acquired during the course of their exiles. This group highlights innovation by exploring new paths for performance and improvisation based on traditional roots.

Whether through improvisation or composition, the music that these two ensembles cultivate is carried by the power of memory and creation – and is beyond the hurts of separation.

Quinteto Acústico Venezolano
Julio D’Santiago : percussions
Mariana Arreaza: voice
Leo Rondón : cuatros and guitar
Roberto Koch : double bass
Omar Acosta : flutes

Venezuelan Roots
Eddy Marcano : violin
José « Layo » Puentes : double bass
Manuel Rangel : maracas and guitar
Leo Rondón : cuatro
Antonio Mazzei : piano
Julio D’Santiago : drums

Download the Concert program notes