The Latin Fiesta ensemble has won wide acclaim as a pioneer in the presentation of crossover concerts. The ensemble is led by award winning performers Maria del Pico Taylor, Cuban born pianist and Raymond Taylor, English born violinist. The composition of the group consists of Maria-piano, Raymond-violin, Vania Taylor- , Andrea Brachfeld, flute, Ron Howerton, Tom Lowery and Cuco Aponte on Latin percussion, Steve Beskrone bass, Liliana Ruiz Davis-Latin/Flamenco dancer, Kevin Sprissler, bass sub and assistant to the directors. The unorthodox composition of this ensemble lends itself to exciting and versatile programming. Rarely does one hear a crossover concert that shifts from a hot salsa tune to a classical work by Albeniz, and then incorporates a contemporary Latin version of a Baroque Concerto Grosso, or a recent commissioned piece by Oscar Hernandez, Carlos Franzetti, Arturo O'Farrill or Tania Leon, ending with the audience rising out of their seats to join in an Afro-Cuban conga line.
Latin Fiesta is on the roster of the Arts in Education program of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and of Young Audiences of Eastern Pennsylvania. Under their auspices they perform for thousands of children yearly. After an educational concert at The Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center in New Jersey the director wrote: "Latin Fiesta's ability to weave audience participation and cultural information into the program while maintaining a seemingly seamless rhythm was more than just professional, it was art."
Latin Fiesta performs nationwide in a variety of venues ranging from school assemblies and residencies to concert halls, festivals and appearances as soloists with Symphony Orchestras. Concert highlights include the Opening Celebrations of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Welcome America Festival on the Parkway, Repertorio Espanol in New York, a pre-concert encounter with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music, Bethlehem Musikfest, Raices Festival at the Wilmington Opera House, Caribbean Festival at Penns Landing and guest appearances with The Philadelphia Classical Symphony, Delaware Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony in Michigan,Jackson Symphony Orchestra in Tennessee, Pottstown Symphony and the Signature Symphony in Tulsa OK
The critics have hailed every member of Latin Fiesta as virtuoso artists: " lead vocalist combines the passion and power of Linda Ronstadt with the energy of Gloria Estefan"... "A brilliant percussion section"... "The powerful pianist mesmerized the capacity audience"... "The violinist showed great virtuosity and wonderful ensemble playing"... "With the Spanish dancer trading exciting flamenco heel clicks with the percussionists, and a dynamic bass player, Latin Fiesta set down a sizzling rumba beat".
The variety of audiences that Latin Fiesta performs for is reflected in the diversity of reviews ranging from the heart warming words of a child at an outdoor festival: "please don't leave yet... this is the happiest day of my life", to the words of the music critic from the Jackson Sun: "What makes Latin Fiesta special is not just the superb musicianship, although each members' virtuosity was proven again and again during the show... it was their ability to connect with the audience... They managed to draw audience members in and make them more than passive listeners...They made them part of the show". In 2005, Latin Fiesta released their first CD "Amor a la Vida" (Love of Life) produced by Oscar Hernandez LF is on the PennPAT artist touring roster.
Management: [email protected]
