Music

Join us for the keynote presentation, “Beyond the Archive: The Cabrera-Tarafa Collection of Afro-Cuban Music, circa 1956” by Dr. J. Lorand Matory with comments from Dr. David Font-Navarrete. In the mid-1950s, Lydia Cabrera and Josefina Tarafa recorded hours of Afro-Cuban ritual music in Matanzas and Havana, Cuba. The result was “Música de los cultos africanos en Cuba” (Music of the African Cults in Cuba), a boxed set of phonograph LPs printed in Cuba and distributed privately in a single limited edition circa 1956. The collection consists of 14 LP discs containing over 11 hours of audio recordings, along with liner notes and photos. Given its scope and quality, “Música de los cultos” is arguably the single most robust multimedia archive of Afro-Cuban sacred music traditions in the mid-20th century. It remains unclear in which year the recordings were made, when the discs were pressed, and how many copies of the boxed set were produced, and only a few institutions hold complete physical editions of the original LP boxed set in their repositories. The audio recordings—the only ones Cabrera produced in her long career—are saturated by the musical and linguistic virtuosity of priest-artists for which Cabrera became an archival medium, and the sounds themselves are arguably the pinnacle of her life-long efforts to produce “material for specialists which has not passed through the dangerous filter of interpretation” (2023). The compilation of a new digital edition of “Música de los cultos” is available for the first time as a complete and annotated archival collection at the University Libraries’ Cuban Heritage Collection, which is the official repository of the Lydia Cabrera Papers. The program will conclude with a question and answer session with the audience. This keynote presentation is part of a symposium that explores vital 21st-century insights on a unique document of Afro-Cuban sacred music traditions and offers novel perspectives on the Cabrera Papers’ multifaceted scope and significance. On May 14, a private collaborative research workshop will bring together scholars, priests, and artists for a critical dialogue. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Miami’s Michele Bowman Underwood Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and the Joseph Carter Memorial Fund.

Join us on Ocean Drive for live music performances as part of the Ocean Drive Promenade Music Series, a free, weekly concert series presented by the Ocean Drive Association. Pack a picnic blanket or lawn chair to stake out your seat on the lawn. Showtime is at 5:00 PM. Events take place on the Ocean Drive Promenade located between 14th Street and 14th Place. Rainy-day location is inside The Betsy Hotel! Take a stroll on one of America's iconic boulevards to experience the best of arts and culture with Ocean Drive Arts. This program is part of the weekly Promenade Sunday Concert Series generously underwritten by The City of Miami Beach, The GMCVB and The Ocean Drive Association. Visit oceandrivearts.com for updates on weekly performers.

35th SEASON FINALE Experience the grand culmination of our 35th season with an unforgettable finale, ablaze with the fiery passion of late Romantic masterpieces. From the sweeping melodies of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral brilliance to the Bohemian charm of Dvorak’s lush orchestrations, revel in the splendor of these iconic masterworks as they unfold. Experience the captivating artistry of cellist Thomas Mesa as he performs Dvorak’s cello concerto, followed by the iconic and beloved Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture. Join us for a night of unparalleled musical enchantment, celebrating the rich tapestry of these timeless compositions.

"Voted Miami’s Best Musical Act of 2024, Miamibloco brings the unstoppable energy of Carnaval from Rio, San Sebastián, and Barranquilla straight to Miami! Experience the thunder of Bateria Saideira—an 80-piece percussion orchestra—blending samba batucada with Miami’s global sounds in a one-night-only celebration. The night opens with a roda de samba raiz, then erupts with samba versions of cumbia from Tato Marenco (of Shakira, Vives, and Encanto), the Miami debut of Bateria Furiosa do Salgueiro’s Gustavo & Guilherme Oliveira from Rio, Gilmar Gomes, Rose Max, Ramatis Moraes, Jacareo's Puerto Rican Plena, and electro-pop from Afrobeta to bring us back home. Show your 305 pride—“Somos Miami, bro!”—and join the night that unites all of the 305 party people.

Centro Cultural Español & Miami-Dade County Auditorium present FLAMENGO 2025 Directly from Spain and for the first time in Miami! Chico Pérez in concert "El piano flamenco de Chico Pérez" May 17, 8:00 p.m. At Koubek Center 2705 SW 3rd. Street. Miami, Fl. 33135 Chico Pérez (Jaén, 1994) is one of Spain and Europe's most recognized young pianists and composers. Recently, he has performed at the most important Jazz and Flamenco festivals in Europe, selling out tickets in Madrid, Luxembourg, San Sebastian, Real Alcázar of Seville, and the Seville Flamenco Biennial. After his recent successes, pianist Chico Pérez is making his debut in Miami for the first time, accompanied by his band (vocals, percussion, trumpet, and electric bass). This concert will immerse the audience in an undoubtedly vibrant and exciting experience through the musical universe of Chico Pérez and his understanding of flamenco and music. Attendees will be delighted with the unique style of the Piano of Chico Pérez. Best Artist Award by the RTVE Institute, Young Talent Award, La Silla Flamenca 2024, Special Young Jienense of the Year Award, Madrid Composer Award. "He is the great sensation at the piano, the heir to the thrones of Dorantes and Chano Domínguez." – Fernando Neira "El País"

Watch Guitars Over Guns' students shine on stage and demonstrate the results of their past year of learning and hard work. Featuring performances by students from Citrus Grove K-8 Center, Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School, North Miami Middle School, North Miami Senior High School, Linda Lentin K-8 Center, Lake Stevens Middle School, North County K-8 Center, Myrtle Grove K-8 Center, Brownsville Middle School, Carol City Middle School and Miami Carol City Senior High School. Event is free and open to the public. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/gogo-jamfest

Watch Guitars Over Guns' students shine on stage and demonstrate the results of their past year of learning and hard work. Featuring performances by students from Cutler Bay Middle School, Homestead Middle School, Redland Middle School, Richmond Heights Middle School, South Dade Middle School, Homestead Senior High School and Miami Southridge Senior High School. Event is free and open to the public. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/gogo-gradjam

JAZZ INFLUENCE | FROST WIND ENSEMBLE $15.00 - $30.00 including fees Craig S. McKenzie, associate conductor Gary Hill, guest conductor Andrew Keiser, graduate conductor Roy McLerran, graduate conductor Lindsay Kesselman, soprano Shelly Berg, piano Margaret Donaghue, clarinet Maria Schneider, composer In their final concert of the year, FWE presents a dazzling program influenced by American jazz music. Guest artist Lindsay Kesselman performs Maria Schneider’s Winter Morning Walks, arranged for soprano and wind ensemble by Andrew Keiser. The Frost Wind Ensemble is joined by Margaret Donaghue on Bernstein's Prelude, Fugue & Riffs, and Shelly Berg performing his reimagined arrangement of Blackbird. The season concludes with selections from Kevin Day's powerful Concerto for Wind Ensemble, led by guest conductor Gary Hill. PROGRAM Wynton Marsalis: Herald, Holler, & Hallelujah! (2022) Maria Schneider: Winter Morning Walks (2011/2025) [arr. Keiser] Lindsay Kesselman, soprano —Intermission— Leonard Bernstein: Prelude, Fugue & Riffs (1950/1991) Margaret Donaghue, Clarinet John Lennon and Paul McCartney: Blackbird (1968) [arr. Berg] Shelton Berg, piano Kevin Day: Concerto for Wind Ensemble (2021) IV. Soul V. Jam

The next CHOPIN for ALL free concert features Angeline Ma, 4th Prize Winner of the 11th National Chopin Piano Competition. Part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the National Chopin Piano Competition, this free concert offers audiences the chance to enjoy Chopin’s timeless music performed by one of the competition’s shining stars. Reserve your seats now: https://bit.ly/CFA_April6_AngelineMa About Angeline Ma Philadelphia-based pianist Angeline Ma, 22, studies with James Giles at Northwestern University as a Betty van Gorkom Music Scholarship recipient. She won 1st Prize Young Artist at the 2024 MTNA Competition, the PianoTexas Concerto Competition, and was awarded a 2024 Gilmore Festival Fellowship. Angeline has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony and the Fort Worth Symphony and has appeared at the Polish Embassy and the Kosciuszko Foundation. Featured on NPR’s "From the Top" and WRTI 90.1, she has worked with renowned artists including Maria João Pires, Piotr Anderszewski, and Dang Thai Son. Program: Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897) 7 Fantasies, Op. 116 Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849) Ballade No. 2 in F Major, Op. 38 Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante, Op. 22 ~ Intermission ~ Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61 12 Preludes, Op. 28, Nos. 13-24 Ticket Information Admission is free, and seating is general admission, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is recommended to secure your seat. Chopin Foundation members can request reserved seating by contacting admin@chopin.org or calling 305-868-0624. Granada Church (Coral Gables) Nestled in the picturesque city of Coral Gables, Granada Church is known for its historic charm and serene ambiance. Its intimate setting and outstanding acoustics make it a perfect venue for enjoying the timeless music of Chopin. Parking: Complimentary parking, including accessible spaces, is available in the church’s lot, with additional street parking nearby. All artists, dates, and programs are subject to change without notice.

Join the next generation of talented Miami musicians for an amazing FREE performance featuring the students of Nu Deco NXT (Nu Deco Ensemble's youth collective) playing alongside Nu Deco Ensemble’s Teaching Artists. Nu Deco NXT is a culmination of a weeklong Spring Intensive where NXT students in grades 7-12 work closely with Nu Deco Teaching Artists to develop their individual talents and ensemble skills while performing diverse musical styles. This free community performance will feature the ensemble's signature symphonic reimaginations. Hear the music of Beethoven, The Beatles, and three world premieres of original works: a commissioned piece by composer in residence and NXT graduate Isaiah Saranow; “Final Bell” by Harmoni Warren, Alex Tanev, Miguel Sandoval, and Daniella Rabaza; and an original composition by the students of NXT, created in collaboration with Nu Deco Co-artistic Director Sam Hyken. About Nu Deco Ensemble Since its inception in 2015, Nu Deco Ensemble has exploded onto Miami’s eclectic musical scene captivating audiences, holistically engaging with its community, and fusing innovative, genre-bending orchestral performances and collaborations with the highest levels of musical artistry. Called a "chamber orchestra for the 21st century" by The New York Times, their performances have featured artists including Wyclef Jean, Allen Stone, Macy Gray, Monsieur Periné, Jacob Collier, and Ben Folds. The ensemble has also reimagined orchestral suites of the music of Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, The Beatles, and Aretha Franklin, as well as symphonic masterworks from Bernstein, Stravinsky and Gershwin, and new music from some of today's most exciting living composers.