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| Mambo Kings Join Detroit Symphony Orchestra Internationally-recognized Latin music ensemble The Mambo Kings will team up with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Jeff Tyzik for a unique concert series incorporating Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz rhythms with classical music. The high-energy, Latin and dance-inspired performances will feature music by such artists as Carlos Santana and Dave Brubeck and take place in Orchestra Hall on Thursday, June 5 at 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Friday, June 6 at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 7 at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 8 at 3 p.m. as part of the DTE Energy Foundation Pops Series. The Mambo Kings is the final concert of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's regular 2007-2008 season. Based out of Rochester, N.Y., The Mambo Kings formed in 1995 led by Richard DeLaney and have gained notoriety for their explosive brand of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation. Since its debut in 1997 with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Jeff Tyzik, the ensemble has performed at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and in concerts with major symphony orchestras including those of Baltimore, Vancouver and Dallas. The Mambo Kings were featured at the 2003 Rochester International Jazz Festival and reached the finals of the 2003 Kennedy Center/U.S. Department of State Jazz Ambassadors national competition. They have recorded two CDs, Marinera and Live!, which were praised by audiences and critics alike and received airplay throughout North America and Puerto Rico. The group performs both original compositions by DeLaney and renditions of popular music such as Dave Brubeck's "Blue Mambo, " John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Day Tripper" and Tito Puente's "Ran Kan Kan" and "Oye Como." Mambo Kings Founder and pianist DeLaney has been active as an arranger and composer since earning his master's degree from the Eastman School in 1978. He has taught piano and jazz piano at the Hochstein School of Music since 1985 and has directed the jazz ensemble program there since 2001. The Mambo Kings is also made up of veteran artists John Viavattine (saxophone), Wilfredo "Freddy" Colon (percussion), David Antonetti (conga) and, Hector Diaz (bass). Jeff Tyzik is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in New York and serves as Principal Pops Conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. During his tenure in Rochester, he has written over 160 works for the orchestra and often conducts as part of the orchestra's subscription series. In addition, he appears annually with the Toronto Symphony and performs regularly with orchestras across North America. Tyzik was the 2002 recipient of the Arts & Cultural Council of Greater Rochester's Performing Artist Award. - www.detroitsymphony.com write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |