 |
 |
Omara Portuondo: Gracias Tour with special guest Roberto Fonseca
Saturday, February 27 2010
Town Hall, New York NY
|
event description
Omara Portuonda is the grand old lady of Cuban music. While her early recordings made her a star in Cuba, her participation in the 1996 album and video documentary, The Buena Vista Social Club, brought her to international attention. Her solo album, The Buena Vista Social Club Presents Omara Portuondo, released in 2000, reinforced her status as one of Cuba's greatest musical ambassadors.
A native of Havana, Portuondo was one of three daughters born to a baseball player on the Cuban national team and a woman of Spanish heritage who left the comfort and support of her wealthy family home to marry the man she loved. Her parents' singing provided the soundtrack for her early life. As a youngster, she sang in school choirs and music classes.
Although she performed with Orquestra Aragon in the 1970s, Portuondo had settled into semi-retirement by the mid-'90s. Her plans to slow down her career were altered after Ry Cooder, who was in Cuba recording with the Chieftains, heard her sing in 1995. When he returned, the following year, to produce The Buena Vista Social Club, Portuondo was invited to become a featured vocalist with the all-star group. In 1998, Portuondo recorded a duo album, Desafios, with Cucho Valdes.
Joining her for a special guest appearance is Cuba's Roberto Fonseca. In the last decade, no one, until now, has emerged who brings together virtuosity with technique while playing music that is imbued with such passion. As his unique, instrumental voice stirs the emotions, he leads us through different landscapes, constantly entering and exiting the island, with no destination necessary.
Born in 1975 (Havana) into a musical family, Roberto Fonseca –- despite having been described in many different ways ("the most promising and important talent in Cuban music", "A true revelation who stands out among pianists of his generation") –- remains faithful to the wish he has had since the beginning of his career: "I want my music to reach people who don't know me, and I dream of one day becoming a point of reference for my audience…"
Omara Portuondo | AEG Live
A native of Havana, Portuondo was one of three daughters born to a baseball player on the Cuban national team and a woman of Spanish heritage who left the comfort and support of her wealthy family home to marry the man she loved. Her parents' singing provided the soundtrack for her early life. As a youngster, she sang in school choirs and music classes.
Although she performed with Orquestra Aragon in the 1970s, Portuondo had settled into semi-retirement by the mid-'90s. Her plans to slow down her career were altered after Ry Cooder, who was in Cuba recording with the Chieftains, heard her sing in 1995. When he returned, the following year, to produce The Buena Vista Social Club, Portuondo was invited to become a featured vocalist with the all-star group. In 1998, Portuondo recorded a duo album, Desafios, with Cucho Valdes.
Joining her for a special guest appearance is Cuba's Roberto Fonseca. In the last decade, no one, until now, has emerged who brings together virtuosity with technique while playing music that is imbued with such passion. As his unique, instrumental voice stirs the emotions, he leads us through different landscapes, constantly entering and exiting the island, with no destination necessary.
Born in 1975 (Havana) into a musical family, Roberto Fonseca –- despite having been described in many different ways ("the most promising and important talent in Cuban music", "A true revelation who stands out among pianists of his generation") –- remains faithful to the wish he has had since the beginning of his career: "I want my music to reach people who don't know me, and I dream of one day becoming a point of reference for my audience…"
Omara Portuondo | AEG Live
ticket information
All ages. Ticket price: $45.00 - $65.00. Tickets will also be sold for three-weeks prior to the show date at the Town Hall Box Office.
Show Starts At: 08:00 PM
Show Starts At: 08:00 PM
venue information
