Dear Gabriele,

In only three weeks, Dranoff2 Piano will celebrate the music of Cuba in performance and poetic writings.   The program musically spans the evolution from independence from Spain to the infusion of West African music becoming Afro-Cuban to contemporary composers’ original works.    Musical Journeys of Cuban Independence concerts will culminate in a gorgeous and very meaningful new piece from jazz legend, Chucho Valdes commissioned by Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation.  I urge you to secure your tickets now. 

Chucho Valdés has dedicated his Suite Afrocubana  to the  black Cuban composer Jose Manuel Jimenez “Lico Jimenez”,  an outstanding classical composer who influenced the top classical and jazz  composers of the early 20th century including Cervantes and Lecuona.  Lico Jimenez studied with Brahms, beat Debussy in Paris competitions, and worked with Franz Liszt for many years. Jimenez ultimately left Cuba permanently due to racial discrimination and violence and became Music Director of the Hamburg Conservatory and Orchestra in Germany. Starting with Musical Journeys of Cuban Independence Chucho plans to restore Jimenez to his rightful place of prominence in the classical canon and public performances. 

On May 18   Latin Jazz Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Martin Bejerano will jam with  Cuban piano great Kemuel Roig, drummer Ignacio Berroa  and bassist Edward Perez. They are joined by Pablo Medina,  Adrian Castro and Cheryl Fiffe - 3 generations of Cuban poets. The music and the language of independence and the Island’s artistic identity will be reflectesd in a multimedia remembrance and celebration of the Cuban spirit and art. Renowned Cuban drummer Ignacio Berroa will give pre-concert talk and demonstration of by the great rhythm, songs, and Cuban dance standards that bring us to the worldwide Cuban Sound today.

On May 19 we present the world premiere of  Suite Afrocubana to Lico Jimenez by Chucho Valdes , one of the greatest the living  jazz pianists and performers. In addition, we will get to enjoy some of the most famous  Chucho Valdes Cuban hits along with original contemporary music. The performers are Martin Bejerano and Kemuel Roig at the pianos,  vocalist Roxana Amed,  Bassist Edwards Pérez, and drummer Ludwig Alfonso.

Join us at the VIP Party and Celebration with Chucho Valdes, artists and fans after the May 19^th Concert.  

Warmly,

Gabriele Fiorentino

President

The Dranoff2 Piano

Piano Slam

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DRUME NEGRITA



KEMUEL ROIG AND MARTIN BEJERANO WITH ROXANA AMED

WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY MADE THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND DRIVE! EVERY ALLOWS US TO KEEP BRINGING YOU BEAUTIFUL AND EXCITING MUSICAL EXPERIENCES.

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