BRANDON – Perhaps it takes ten to tango.
A rising star in the music world, Luis Ramirez is returning to Brandon this Friday to present ten original tango pieces, called his ‘Immigration Suite’.
Ramirez, a BU grad who is currently pursuing doctoral studies at York University, has had recent premieres with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and his works have also been performed with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, among others.
(Photo credit: Brandon University)
He’s returning to Brandon for a Friday evening concert at Brandon City Hall, presented by Brandon Chamber Players. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $20 students and are available at the door (cash or cheque only), by visiting or calling the School of Music 204-727-9631, or by visiting https://brandonchamberplayers.ca/.
Born and raised in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Luis Ramirez is a Mexican-Canadian composer with an affinity towards rhythmically colorful textures and visually-evocative sonic worlds, which often incorporate elements of Mexican folklore and a cinematographic approach to musical story-telling. His current works explore the digital landscape for music-making and humanity’s often pernicious dynamics with the internet.
An eclectic musician, Luis has toured as a classical pianist, taught composition at York University, conducted the Brandon Community Orchestra, presented his academic research at conferences around the world, and performed at bars with his tango quintet.
The ‘Immigration Suite’ is a collection of ten tangos that examine different facets of life as an immigrant. The overarching narrative follows a somewhat analogous journey to that of seasonal changes and personal growth. Ultimately, this suite is about resilience and letting go of the past, and tango offers a unique medium to showcase the sense of finding solace in the face of despair.
For this performance, Ramirez on piano will be joined by Kerry DuWors on violin, Cathy Wood on clarinet, Laura Jones on cello, and Christopher Jones on double bass.