The Mañana Collective

This evening is a celebration of the Latin American music legacy, an explosive evening of rhythms and melodies that will transport the audience to a different continent. 

Led by Cuban flautist and pianist, Jose Zalba-Smith, The Mañana Collective is a powerhouse of latin rhythms, bringing Cuban and Brazilian music together explosively. It is a volatile, love loaded party bag in every corner, an unstoppable expression of joy!

The band came about when Jose met some really talented musicians at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. They bonded over their shared love of latin rhythms and the rest, as they say, is history! 

This performance brings an additional dimension to the programme. Born one hundred years ago (1921-1992), Ástor Piazzolla carried the signature sound of Argentina to clubs and concert halls around the world. He was born in Argentina but later lived in New York and studied in Paris where he was encouraged to find his voice by tapping into his passion for tango. The Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires) gives an impression of the four seasons in Buenos Aires. Piazzolla pays homage to the tango of Buenos Aires as well as the “serious” music of the great Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi.

This evening will bring closer together different genres, classical music meets jazz, meets folk. 

Recent performances include CafeJazz Cardiff, Taliesen Arts Centre- Swansea University, Galeri Caernarfon,  Walthamstow Street Festival July 2014, 2015, St Ethelburga’s Centre and St James’s Church Piccadilly, London featuring former member of the Buena Vista Social Club Orchestra and Afro Cuban All Stars: Javier Zalba.