CONCERTS

Daniel Rojas 'BLISS OF HEAVEN: Music of the New World' Album Launch

Thursday 29 April, 2021

6:30PM

Camelot Lounge, Marrickville

Performance featuring:

Daniel Rojas, piano/composer
with
Anna Da Silva-Chen (violin 1), Tim Yu (violin 2), Sophie Nickel (viola), Noah Oshiro (cello)

“musical escapism at its finest... Rojas is a master of his craft, both as a pianist and composer”
Limelight Magazine

Irresistible rhythms and a melting pot of melodies, Chilean-born pianist and composer Daniel Rojas reimagines some of Latin America’s best-loved tunes and tangos in his new album for Da Vinci Classics, 'BLISS OF HEAVEN: Music of the New World'.

A heavenly alchemy of mambo, salsa and Andean folk music fused with classical sensibilities - supported by the high-energy Ensemble Apex String Quartet featuring violinist Anna da Silva Chen - it's music you know but as you've never heard it before.

With Piazzolla’s dramatic Libertango, Chucho Valdés’ danceable Mambo Influenciado and the surprising Peruvian title track traced back to the 1600s, Rojas' long-awaited album of sensitive arrangements and soulful original works is guaranteed to lift your spirits, and leave you wanting more.

Dr Daniel Rojas is an award-winning composer specialising in the rich and vibrant Latin American aesthetic, and Australia’s best Latin and tango pianist, earning acclaim for stunning improvisations at the keyboard. Program director of Composition at Sydney University’s Conservatorium of Music, Rojas’ prizes include the Fellowship of Australian Composers Award, Frank Albert Prize, and Miriam Hyde Memorial Award; a warm and exuberant performer, he has played for Sydney Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre, Newcastle Music Festival, City Recital Hall and more.

While this album was recorded in São Paulo, Brazil (pre-COVID) with the Baldini Quartet and bandoneonist Stephen Cuttriss, tonight, as for Sydney Festival, Rojas performs with a string quartet from Ensemble Apex - Sydney's creative and charismatic collection of Conservatorium-trained young musicians led by Artistic Director/conductor, Sam Weller.

Canberra International Music Festival

…the idea of Vienna

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The city where Schubert and Strauss were born. The place where Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven made history. The opera house that Mahler transformed for the 20th century. The circles where Schoenberg foreshadowed the tragedy of two world wars.

In 2021, CIMF brings the music of Vienna to Canberra, performed by an exceptional cast of Australian artists. (More about … the idea of Vienna on our blog page.)

Over ten glorious autumn days and more, treat yourself to a music adventure!