Tango for two
Latin-inspired symphonic concert music offers a vivid blend of rhythm, culture, and innovation, and works like La Cascara by Jeremy Woolstenhulme (our principal cellist) exemplify this fusion. Drawing on the Afro-Cuban “cáscara” rhythm, this work transforms a dance-based groove into a dynamic orchestral experience filled with syncopation, driving percussion, and bright instrumental color. Similarly, Mexico Ayer, Hoy y Siempre celebrates heritage through a medley of traditional melodies, weaving together past and present in a festive, storytelling format. Amigos and Cha Cha continue this connection to dance, capturing the playful, social spirit of the cha-cha with lively rhythms and accessible melodic lines that invite listeners into the music.
Across South America, composers have redefined tradition in striking ways, most notably Astor Piazzolla with works like The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires and Libertango that will feature our guest soloist Alice Hong (pictured to the right) on violin. In The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, Piazzolla blends tango with classical and jazz influences, creating dramatic contrasts and emotional depth while subtly referencing The Four Seasons by Vivaldi. Libertango, on the other hand, represents a bold break from convention, its driving rhythms and repetitive structures symbolizing artistic freedom and the evolution of tango into something entirely new. Together, these works highlight how Latin American music can balance tradition with experimentation, creating a sound that is both rooted and revolutionary.
Other compositions expand this cultural journey even further, traveling across regions and styles. Bossa para Tom & Vinicius pays tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, capturing the smooth, jazz-infused elegance of bossa nova, while From Asuncion to Lima acts as a musical travelogue through cities like Asunción and Lima, showcasing a range of regional rhythms and textures. Meanwhile, Descarga en Atlanta embraces the spontaneity of a Latin jazz jam session, emphasizing improvisation and collaboration. Performed together, these works illustrate how Latin music serves as a crossroads of cultures, bridging folk traditions, concert performance, and global influence into a vibrant and evolving musical landscape.
The Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra is especially excited to bring this vibrant program to life in collaboration with guest artists Alice Hong and Julio Barreto (pictured to the left). Hong brings her artistry and expressive depth to Piazzolla’s evocative score, while Barreto will add his dynamic voice in the second half compositions and also while playing the piano. This concert promises to be a memorable celebration of rhythm, culture, and community, taking place on May 16 at Union Hill Park, a fitting outdoor setting to fill the air with these energetic sounds performed by your Alpharetta Symphony.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Giel, Music Director