On Friday, July 12, at 19:00 in the concert garden “Pūt, vējiņi!” the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, led by principal conductor Guntis Kuzma, invites you to an impassionate symphonic jazz and flamenco concert. This electrifying evening will feature world-renowned British jazz pianist Julian Joseph, performing George Gershwin’s legendary “Rhapsody in Blue,” alongside flamenco artists Leticia Dominguez and Manuel Bellido, who will infuse the night with their blazing dances.
The concert program represents a symphony of summer melodies. Under the direction of Guntis Kuzma, it features Leonard Bernstein's symphonic dances from "West Side Story," the Bacchanalia from Camille Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila," and the First Romanian Rhapsody by George Enescu.
Flamenco's fiery spirit will transport the audience to sunny Spain, with its exotic allure reflected in instrumental excerpts from Georges Bizet's "Carmen." The program will also highlight works by Andalusian composers, featuring Manuel de Falla's Spanish Dance from "La Vida Breve" and Geronimo Giménez's “La Boda de Luis Alonso” a classic example of the famous Spanish lyric-dramatic genre – zarzuela.
Julian Joseph, hailed by British publisher “The Stage” as “arguably the most important jazz musician ever to emerge from the UK,” has dedicated his career to championing jazz music globally, captivating audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to jazz. A celebrated pianist, composer, and arranger, Joseph is also a charismatic ambassador for the genre.
His trailblazing career includes historic milestones: he was the first black British jazz musician to lead a concert series at London’s prestigious Wigmore Hall and the first to headline the BBC Proms with his All-Star Big Band, an eight-week summer season of evening classical concerts and other events held annually, mainly at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Leticia Dominguez is a true flamenco gem. She embarked on her dance journey at the age of three, steadily ascending to the pinnacle of her art. Throughout her career, she has graced stages across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Her remarkable talent has attracted audiences at iconic flamenco venues, including Seville's renowned “El Patio Sevillano.”
Manuel Bellido's fabulous dancing career is defined by his innate talent, relentless dedication throughout the years, and exceptional mentors. He has performed at distinguished venues worldwide, such as the “Chaillot – Théâtre National de la Danse” in France and the “Coliseu do Porto” in Portugal, with frequent appearances in prestigious Spanish opera houses. This internationally acclaimed artist continues to shine as a dancer with the Granada Flamenco Ballet, with recent performances in Thailand and the Philippines, further solidifying his status as a sought-after figure in the global dance community.
Tickets for the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra concerts can be purchased at “Biļešu Paradīze” outlets or online at “Biļešu Paradīze”.
This concert is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and the City of Liepāja.
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