Since 1994, FIU's Cuban Research Institute (CRI) has organized a concert series featuring music on Cuban themes by Cuban and other composers. The purpose of this public event is to celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich and diverse musical heritage of Cuba and its diaspora.

CRI is pleased to announce the 15th installment of its concert series. This year's program will feature Cuban-American pianist and composer David Virelles. Cuban piano legend Chucho Valdés has hailed Virelles as “the most advanced of our pianists” and tastemaker Gilles Peterson has praised him as “the new school of pianists from Cuba.” Born in Santiago de Cuba, the 35-year-old pianist left the Island in 2001, but the country’s rich musical heritage stays at the forefront of his work. From his home base of New York City, he collaborates frequently with American masters such as Henry Threadgill, Mark Turner, Ravi Coltrane, and Chris Potter.

For this concert, Virelles will explore a repertoire of danzones by some of the legendary composers of this 19th-century Cuban genre, illustrating its evolution, informed by a modern approach. He will be joined by Hilario Bell on timbal—a percussion instrument originally used in típicas—and José Armando Gola on acoustic bass.

Cuban-born pianist and composer David Virelles was classically trained at the Esteban Salas Conservatory in Santiago de Cuba. Since his arrival in New York City, he has appeared on live concerts and recordings with prominent jazz musicians. He has released four albums to critical acclaim, documenting a wide sonic range. DownBeat Magazine named him #1 Rising Star in the piano category in 2017.

Tickets

General Admission: $25

Alumni, Faculty, and Staff: $20

Current FIU Students: $10

Please be aware that attendees will be seated on a first-come basis. There will also be no elevator to the balcony level.

Tickets are non-refundable.

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