REVIEW: “Flamenco Hoy”: Authentic or Artificial?
For something to be authentic, does it have to be ‘pure?’ “Flamenco Hoy” (“Flamenco Today”), a live showcase of flamenco music and dance, was presented at the New York City Center from February 16-20. Directed by Carlos Saura, famed Spanish film director of flamenco-inspired movies, the touring show made its U.S. premiere, presenting flamenco in … Read more
VIDEO: Flamenco on the Piano
Intense, dynamic, captivating–after hearing a Spanish pianist play this piece in Prague, I knew in my heart that I had to learn it. It’s like the equivalent of love at first sight. Or, on a less sublime level, having to have that prime rib. Upon further study and research, I discovered that flamenco was probably the … Read more
My Valentine Parents: The Semi-Latin Couple that Changed My History
(Partly inspired by this article: Latin Couples that Changed History) On Valentine’s Day, mom texted me this photo. She and my dad, married for 36 years now, were having dinner in the garden of a Manila restaurant when our texting chain started. She was so eager to MMS me this photo from the other side … Read more
Hiding in the Spanish South
Finally, the dryness that seemed to desiccate even my bones is getting a relief. The Mediterranean beckons, whimsical, unperturbed, oblivious to my long journey–eight stops by land and air between Pennsylvania and Almería. Now I imagine riding the soft waves from the protected intimacy of the seafront Parador de Mojácar. Usually a castle, fortress, or historic building turned into … Read more
Can we go to Cuba now, please? New Obama Regulations
In 2009, I had the good fortune of traveling to Cuba for Cubadisco. Okay, the name can evoke images of John Travolta’s smoothly swiveling hips and flared bottoms, but “disco” actually refers to “disc,” (i.e. a recording) and Cubadisco is actually Cuba’s version of the Grammys, and then some. More than an awards night featuring the living legends of … Read more
Spain, Cuba, and the Philippines on the Piano
On February 6, 2011, I gave a recital at Noble Art Pianos in Easton, Pennsylvania. Presented in a historic 19th-century mansion, one can imagine it to be a period performance of sorts–the pieces in my program, all from the 19th and early 20th century, would have been performed in similar salons in Spain, Cuba, or … Read more
Video: Malagueña by Lecuona
I performed this last weekend on a Sauter piano during a concert at Noble Art Pianos, Easton, PA, in Feb 2011. For more on the Malagueña and other pieces in the program, go to Spain, Cuba, and the Philippines on the Piano.
Video: Window to Havana
Video I took with my still camera on the way from Havana to the Jose Martí airport, May 2009
Musical Motivation (or How I Get Over Aching Abs)
I just came from Latin Heat (mildly appropriate for tonight’s predicted snowstorm). It’s a fitness class inspired by Latin dance music and the zumba phenomenon (“Ditch the workout, join the party!”). Since I’m more dance- than athletic-oriented, I found this just perfect. Whereas yesterday’s Pilates class nearly killed my abs (wait, isn’t that the whole … Read more
Find me on Facebook!
