Last Friday, I went out to lunch with Orlay and Orlando Alonso, and experienced first-hand the incredible energy that these two Cuban-born piano virtuoso players naturally exert. The best part: you have a chance to experience their whirlwind, gale force musical talent for yourself this week at The Alonso Brothers: Musica Cubana.
But the Alonso Brothers won't be the only artists onstage! Stars from the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and Ballet Met will join the Alonso Brothers with new choreography inspired by the music of Cuban composers Ernesto Lecuona and Ignacio Cervantes.
Music for the concert includes works by Manuel de Falla, Cervantes, Lecuona and Piazzolla.
Dancers include:
Miguel Eduardo Anaya Rodriguez
Sarah Reimold
Romel Frometa Castellon
Liset Santander
Hailee Snyder
So Who Are The Alonso Brothers?
Columbus music-lovers may recognize Orlay Alonso from his recent guest appearances with WOSU Classical 101 host Christopher Purdy for Music in Mid-Ohio or one of his many fabulous appearances at OSU's School of Music where he finished his doctorate degree.
Likewise, I spoke with two NYC musicians last Friday who recognized Orlando Alonso from his performances in New York and his attachment to Le Poisson Rouge venue in NYC. They are definitely a recognizable duo who greet everyone they meet with sincere warmth and an infectious energy.
So what do you do to get to know two boisterous, extroverted pianists? Go to lunch and play Jenga, of course.
As it happens, Orlando had never played Jenga before, so Orlay and I had a great time introducing the older of the two brothers to the iconic, American tabletop game. We probably drove away customers from La Chatelaine Bistro with our loud antics and talk of starting our very own Adorno book club, but alas, a good time was had by all!
And that is exactly what these brothers promise their audiences; a warm, welcoming, energetic concert filled with memories and sincere excitement for the music and the friendship of getting to know either of these musicians... or in this case, both.
