Allentown Symphony Association presents: An evening of Brazilian choro and jazz Thursday, August 24th, 2006 at 8:00 pm, Symphony Hall Allentown, Pennsylvania Rodale Community Room. Violinist, mandolinist and Allentown native, Ted Falcon, performs with the prestigious Choro Ensemble of New York at Symphony Hall, Thursday, August 24th at 8 pm for the release party of his 4th CD, Memorias do Brasil, the day after their debut performance in New York City. (more information)

Falcon grew up in the west end of Allentown listening to Brazilian music of Villa-Lobos, Tom Jobim and Luiz Bonfa. Further study of the Brazilian choro music at Indiana University fueled his passion for the sound and brought him to forming his own group, the Los Angeles Choro Ensemble.

Memorias do Brasil is the artist's first mandolin recording in a program of elegant Brazilian choro and jazz. The CD features some originals and music from Jacob do Bandolim, Ernesto Nazareth, Hermeto Pascoal, Pixinguinha and Waldir Azevedo.

Choro Ensemble captures the authentic, swinging sounds of Choro music with dazzling instrumental virtuosity. New York's only group dedicated exclusively to the preservation and perpetuation of this once-endangered musical form best identified with the celebrated composer Pixinguinha, Choro Ensemble plays with a charming sound that moves from earthiness to elegance, with its own original contemporary Choros as well along with pearls of the repertoire.

Considered the "New Orleans jazz of Brazil," choro is experiencing a renaissance right now. It is a living cousin to American ragtime and early jazz played in jam sessions nightly throughout Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and all of Brazil. Musicians of all ages are drawn to the beautiful melodies, the rich harmonies and the upbeat rhythms played on guitar, mandolin, percussion, cavaquinho, clarinet, flute and other instruments. The Rodale Room at Symphony Hall is a perfect setting to introduce this type of music to the Lehigh Valley.

Tickets: $20, box office (610) 432-6715 or www.tix.com.
Historic Symphony Hall
23 North 6th St.
Allentown, PA 18101

Posted by Ted at August 14, 2006 5:49 AM