Antojitos Latinos CCRR Grant Application Project Description The Aurelius Ensemble will be presenting ANTOJITOS LATINOS - a delectable selection of Latin American music on Thursday July 22 and Friday July 23, 1999, at 8pm in Killian Hall. The ensemble will present works by Astor Piazzolla, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Alberto Ginastera and George Gershwin, and also the American premiere of Jose Elizondo's Danzas Latinamericanas. The concert program includes: € Jose ELIZONDO (b. 1972): Danzas Latinamericanas for two cellos (1999) € Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921-1992): Le Grande Tango for viola and piano (1982) € J. ALVAREZ: Metro Chacabano for string quartet (1980s) € Heitor VILLA-LOBOS: String Quartet No. 5 (1948) € George GERSHWIN (1898-1937): Cuban Overture for piano-4-hands (1944) arr. € Heitor VILLA-LOBOS: Choros no. 2 pour flute et clarinette (1927) € Alberto GINASTERA: Duo for flute and clarinet (arr) Concert details continue to be posted at http://web.mit.edu/mta/www/music/aurelius . People Highlights Named in honor of MIT's leading African-American faculty, Marcus Aurelius Thompson, the spirit the Aurelius Ensemble's concerts have been guided and inspired by him. In addition to the current Latin American focus, the group plans to continue its exploration of 'classical' music from other nations and to present the roots of the compositional and artistic uniqueness of these musical genres. In particular, we plan to organize a concert of music by the father of contemporary Chinese music, Alexander Tcherepnin in the fall in celebration of his centennial. Antojitos Latinos will bring back to the MIT campus two distinguished alumni of the music program, Boston-based Mexican composer Jose Elizondo (SB 1995) and Asian-American violist Wilson Hsieh (SM & SB 1988, Ph.D. 1995.) Jose Elizondo (SB 1995) - Antojitos Latinos will open with a brief introduction to the defining characteristics of Latin American music by Jose Elizondo, who will also speak on his compositional influences and inspirations. In addition, Jose will be providing program notes in both English and Spanish. This concert will heighten awareness on the MIT campus for the music and rhythms of the Latin American community. Boston-based Mexican composer Jose Elizondo studied composition with Edward Cohen and Peter Child at MIT. Best known for his celebrated orchestral suite Estampas Mexicanas, his compositions have been featured at the Banff International Festival (Canada, 1998), the Ayton Castle Music Festival (Scotland, 1998), the Hispanic Heritage Festival (USA, 1998) among others. Danzas Latinamericanas is Jose's most recent composition, written for two cellos and commissioned by legendary Mexican cellist Carlos Prieto. Marcus Thompson (Taylor Professor of Music, MIT) - The spirit of the concerts have been guided and inspired by one of MIT's leading African-American faculty, Marcus Thompson. The ensemble is named after him (his middle name is Aurelius,) by his student of 10 years, Wilson Hsieh, will be returning to perform a piece, Piazzolla's Le Grande Tango, which was given to him by Thompson. Wilson Hsieh (SM & SB 1988, Ph.D. 1995) - Guest performer Wilson Hsieh, is currently Professor of Computer Science at the University of Utah. The uncommon score for Piazzolla's Le Grande Tango was a gift from Thompson to his student, and has become Wilson's signature piece. One of only a few violists who play this piece, Wilson's love for Argentine Tango has also deepened his appreciation for Astor Piazzolla's music. The Aurelius Ensemble, founded summer 1998, is named after Marcus Aurelius Thompson, internationally acclaimed violist and chamber music player, to honor his 25 years of exemplary service in mentoring and educating young musicians at MIT. Thompson, Taylor Professor of Music since 1995 and Professor of Music since 1973 at MIT, founded the MIT Chamber Music Society his first year at the Institute and continues to promote and coach chamber music as head of the Society. Since its inception, the Aurelius Ensemble has presented several highly successful theme concerts, including Poulenc Potpourri, a celebration of Poulenc's centennial, over this past IAP. Other Impacts on Campus Race Relations The pre-concert talk on Latin American music by Jose Elizondo, will enhance the audience's awareness of this genre of music. The unusual collection of pieces will give the audience a taste of Latin American music. By hearing the Gershwin piece, audiences will be able to see how Latin American music has made its way into the mainstream of contemporary classical composer's works. Assisted by Jose Elizondo and Lynn Heinemann and Mary Haller of the Office of the Arts at MIT, we will be publicizing the event to the MIT community, in general, and especially to Latin American special interest groups via email as well as press releases. Antojitos Latinos will provide opportunities for MIT students, staff and alumni from diverse backgrounds (Asia, Europe, US) to participate in a creative project which will encourage them to learn about the Latin-American culture. Not only will the participants be learning the music of these composers, the performers will be responsible for researching and writing about their piece and the respective composers. Individuals Responsible Elaine Chew (MS, 1998, G, Affiliated Artist) eniale@mit.edu 492-2995 is the artistic director and producer of the concerts. Elaine is also the web-designer for the ensemble. Jose Elizondo (SB, 1995) elizondo@speechworks.com 557-4401 is the composer of Danzas Latinamericanas, which will receive its US premiere in this concert. Jose will also be writing program notes for the concert and will give a brief introduction to Latin American music at the start of the concert. Nina Chen (BA, 1990, MArch, 1999) nchen@mit.edu 492-2995 is responsible for organizing rehearsals for and putting together the String Quartet by Heitor Villa-Lobos and Metro Chacabano by J. Alvarez. Nina is in charge of the publicity posters, postcards, the program design. Eran Egozy (BS, MS, 1995) eran@media.mit.edu 491-6144 x12 is responsible for organizing rehearsals for and putting together duos for clarinet and flute by Alberto Ginastera and Heitor Villa-Lobos. Budget All musicians are donating their services for this concert. All contributions in the second column except for reception costs have been approved. Expenses Contributions (* in kind) Requested from CCRR Killian Hall Publicity Press release + postage Postcards + postage Posters Program design Website design + maint. Piano tuning Programs Recording + tapes Reception (both nights) Travel W Hsieh (SLC<->BOS) Honorarium J Elizondo (composition, speech, program notes) $400 (MTA*) $60 (Council for the Arts) $70 (Council for the Arts) $10 (Council for the Arts) $200 (Nina Chen*) $250 (Elaine Chew*) $70 (Council for the Arts) $40 (Council for the Arts) $200 (Council for the Arts) $150 (MTA) $500 $750 TOTAL $600 + $850* $1250 Elaine Chew 22 June 1999