The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC) presents Afro-Cuban neo-soul singer Daymé Arocena and Havana-born piano virtuoso Roberto Fonseca in an exhilarating co-bill on April 15, 2018 at 7pm in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. These shining talents who draw from Cuba’s storied musical tradition will each ignite the stage – Arocena with her intoxicating vocals, and Fonseca with his sophistication on the keys – offering a fresh and modern take on the styles rooted in their Caribbean home country.
“Cuba has gifted the world with a variety of music – from mambo and conga, to son cubano and cha-cha-cha, influences of which can be found across so many different genres of music today,” says Joyce Hinton, Co-Managing Director of the Chan Centre. “Fonseca and Arocena are two of their country’s most talented and talked-about musicians, following in the footsteps of greats such as the late Celia Cruz and Bébo Valdez to bring a new and thrilling Cuban sound to the international spotlight.”
Born in Havana in 1992, Arocena is a vocalist, composer, bandleader, and choir director best known for her unique, soulful mix of jazz, rumba, and Cuban neo-soul inspired with chants of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion. Fonseca first burst onto the scene at the age of 15 when he performed at the International Jazz Festival of Havana. An early innovator, he composed his first piece at age 14 and went on to graduate from Cuba’s prestigious Instituto Superior de Arte with a Master’s degree in composition.
Chan Centre Connects Events (chancentre.com/connects)
A series of ancillary events programmed in conjunction with Chan Centre performances, exploring the role of arts and artists in society.
Pre-Show Talk with Roberto Fonseca – Sunday, April 15, 2018, 6pm @ Chan Shun Concert Hall. Percussionist and Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Provost and VP Academic Dr. Sal Ferreras hosts a conversation with Roberto Fonseca on the artist’s life and music, including touring with Buena Vista Social ClubTM and the inspiration behind his latest album ABUC, which he describes as a “review” of the rich history of music in Cuba. Free for ticket holders.
Chan Centre presents: Daymé Arocena and Roberto Fonseca
Date: Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 7pm
Ticket prices: From $38
Address: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts University of British Columbia 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Box Office: 604-822-2697 / chancentre.com
In person at the Chan Centre ticket office
Open Tue-Sat, 12pm-5pm
Website: chancentre.com
Photots: Arien Chang, Casey Moore