Grooving instrumentals at Kenan Auditorium
Elizabeth Hughes
Issue date: 3/30/06 Section: UNCW Life
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The 13-member Spanish Harlem Orchestra, founded in 2000 by Aaron Luis Levinson and directed by "salsa-giant" Oscar Hernandez, has been recognized as one of the mainstays of modern Latin music. Pianist and arranger Oscar Hernandez uses only the most accomplished players in the New York Latino community, including distinguished artists such as Willie Torres, Marco Bermudez and Ray De La Paz.
Their debut album was released in October 2002 and quickly gained worldwide recognition. They were nominated for a Grammy in 2002 for best Salsa Album Of The Year, and won the Best New Artist at the 2003 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Committed to preserving the history of classic Latin dance orchestras, while at the same time creating new music for the modern-day audience, the SHO has put together a performance that appeals to people of all ages. Many listeners from all over have fallen in love with the music that the group has made.
"Salsa is experiencing a new resurgence and leading the charge is the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. SHO incorporates the history of classic Latin dance orchestras while at the same time writing and arranging new music for the audience of today," said UNCW Presents assistant director Shannon Hooker. "With three lead singers in the front and 10 musicians backing them up, they produce an unequaled sound and groove."
As a preview to the show, there will be an open rehearsal lead by Hernandez from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium, followed by a question and answer session. The rehearsal is free and open to the public.
"We are thrilled to host this group at UNCW because of the energy and contemporary sound they bring to Latin dance music. I think this will have appeal to a diverse and broad range of audiences because of the cross-cultural connections they make through their music. Bottom line, it's got groove and it's got soul," Hooker said.
Tickets to the show are $18 for the public, $14 for UNCW faculty/staff and senior citizens, and $6 for students. Call Kenan Box Office at 800-7323643 or 910-962-3500 for additional information.