During the 19th century, as Latin American republics gained independence, European dances like the waltz and polka were adopted and transformed by the local populace, creating new genres.
Performer Biography
The AMBAR group consists of three Colombian musicians and a Russian violinist, Sasha Rozhdestvensky, who combine classical training with experience in traditional music.
Performer Biography
Constantine Orbelian, the conductor on this album, is the first American ever to become music director of an ensemble in Russia, serving as Music Director of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra.
Performer Biography
In 2004, Russian President Putin awarded Constantine Orbelian the title 'Honored Artist of Russia,' a title never before given to a non-Russian citizen.
Historical Context
Latin American traditional music is a fusion of pre-Columbian, African, and European cultures, a process that began with the discovery of America in 1492.
Performer Biography
Sasha Rozhdestvensky, the Russian violinist in the AMBAR group, was called 'one of the most talented and refined violinists of his generation' by Yehudi Menuhin.
Instruments
Sasha Rozhdestvensky, the violinist, plays several violins, including a Guarneri del Gesu and a Stradivarius loaned to him by the Stradivarius Society, for which he is now an ambassador.
