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Sunday, September 29, 2024

LATINFLUENCE FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is proud to present Latinfluence, a captivating performance by Flamenco guitarist Demi Fernandez and jazz pianist Neil Gonsalves on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 17h30.

 Demi Fernandez and Neil Gonsalves have shared an impressive three-decade-long collaboration as music educators, beginning at Technikon Natal and continuing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Their musical partnership, established about 15 years ago, is rooted in a deep admiration for each other’s talents and a shared vision to explore the orchestral potential of the guitar-piano duo format within the rich landscape of Latin music. 

Their acclaimed debut CD, Latinfluence, was released in 2013.

 

The duo’s journey includes notable collaborations, such as their work with Latin percussion maestro Efrain Toro to accompany the Linda Vargas Spanish Dance Company during the production of Flamenco Jazz at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music in 2012. This collaboration blossomed into an annual showcase, with subsequent productions like More Flamenco, More Jazz in 2013 and Flamenco Familia, Mundo Flamenco, and Juego Flamenco in the following years.

Fernandez and Gonsalves have graced stages at prestigious events, including the Hilton Arts Festival, the UNISA Concert Series in Pretoria, and performances at Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, and the Centro Cultural Franco Mozambicano in Maputo. Their recent collaboration with folk guitarist Nibs van der Spuy resulted in a series of sold-out concerts in Durban, further highlighting their versatility and appeal.

Join the Centre for an unforgettable evening celebrating the vibrant fusion of Flamenco and jazz as Demi Fernandez and Neil Gonsalves bring their passion and artistry to the stage.

The concert takes place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Doors open at 17h00; music starts at 17h30.

Tickets will be available at the door for R110 for General Admission, R80 for Pensioners and R50 for Students. To ensure your spot, booking is essential via email at zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is situated in the Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, Durban.