Fine & Performing Arts

February 4, 2009
By ANNIE ALLEMAN For GO

Translated, “Rumba Sinfonica” means “symphonic party,” and that’s what audience members will experience Feb. 7 when the Grammy-nominated Cuban band Tiempo Libre performs with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra.

“It’s a Cuban party,” said Tiempo Libre’s Jorge Gomez.

“Rumba Sinfonica” was written by Venezuelan composer and Michigan State University professor Ricardo Lorenz, in collaboration with Gomez. It premiered in November 2007 by the Minnesota Orchestra.

The piece combines Cuba’s distinctive urban and salsa rhythms with a classical symphony orchestra. It’s an altogether unique concept, as the rumba guides the musical content from beginning to end.

“It’s like a journey. It’s like a question and answer, then we talk all together,” Gomez said of the way the band will perform with the DuPage Symphony. “It’s a challenge too, to keep the sound and the rhythm between the orchestra and the band.”

Gomez serves as pianist, music director and arranger for Tiempo Libre (which translates as “free time.”)

“The reaction has been very good,” he said of “Rumba Sinfonica.” “People dance, and at the end of the show we sing with the orchestra.”

During some shows, Tiempo Libre plays its rumba music during the second half of the show. Probably not this time though, he said.

“I think we’ll just have one set with the orchestra. Sometimes people ask for an encore and we play as a band.”

The band’s members grew up studying classical music at premier conservatories in their native Cuba, and were forbidden from playing American styles like rock, blues or jazz. (Naturally, this didn’t stop them from doing so.)

Now, with “Rumba Sinfonica,” they can blend the classical music they grew up on with the traditional Cuban music they love.

This strict structure led to a profound proficiency on their instruments, to the point where the members are comfortable playing with an orchestra or a rock band. This skill enables them to play with a different orchestra in towns across the country, from San Antonio to Michigan to Minnesota.

“It’s a very good base,” Gomez said of their classical training.

Recently signed to the Sony label, the band will release “Bach in Havana” in May. The album will fuse the famous composer’s music with Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Meanwhile, Naperville audiences can expect a crowd mixed with old and young that will sing and dance along.

“People have to be prepared to dance with us. It’s a party. You have to enjoy the show and be a part of it.”

The DuPage Symphony Orchestra performs “Rumba Sinfonica with Tiempo Libre” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, in Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E. Chicago St., Naperville. Tickets cost between $10 to $27; Call 630-637-7469.

It’s a big week for cultural and fine arts events at North Central College, with several performances and events offering something for just about everyone.

On Friday, Feb. 6, Chicago a cappella–Chicago’s acclaimed vocal ensemble–returns to North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall with a concert of music and poetry celebrating the sense of abundance, gratitude and generosity of spirit. Included in the show are sublime Renaissance music, stirring spirituals, and vocal jazz, plus the world premiere of a new work by artistic director Jonathon Miller. The show begins at 8 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. For tickets and information call 1-800-SING-NOW or 773-755-1628.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, North Central College hosts the 21st annual Gospel Extravaganza. In addition to North Central’s own Voices of Praise gospel choir, performing groups include the Wheaton College Gospel Choir, DuPage African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Voices of Praise Gospel Choir, Bryant Jones and Chosen, and headliner Dexter Walker and Zion Movement Chorale.

The musical celebration starts at 7 p.m. in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $15/adults, $12/senior citizens and $5/students; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/show. Tickets are also available at the door.

Also on Saturday, Feb. 7, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra continues its longstanding partnership with North Central College’s Office of International Programs with a performance featuring the Grammy-nominated band Tiempo Libre in Wentz Concert Hall. The seven-member Cuban band is known for its energetic, joyful performances in “timba” style and joins the orchestra to perform Riccardo Lorenz’s “Rumba Sinfonica.” The concert begins at 8 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets start at $22/adults, $19/senior citizens and $10/students; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW or visit http://finearts.northcentralcollege.edu/x45144.xml.

On Sunday, Feb. 8, “Sibling Revelry” starring Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway comes to Wentz Concert Hall. Ann Hampton Callaway has dazzled music lovers as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress and educator. Her sister Liz Callaway, an award-winning actress, singer and recording artist, starred in the original casts of “Miss Saigon,” “The Three Musketeers” and “The Look of Love,” and received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in “Baby.” Their show begins at 3 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $60/person; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW or visit http://finearts.northcentralcollege.edu/x45148.xml.

Finally, on Sunday, Feb. 8, North Central College hosts the 13th Annual International Festival. Visitors may sample authentic international cuisine, enjoy ethnic dancing to live music, join in on games and crafts from around the world, and experience the challenge of entering a totally different cultural environment-all without leaving Naperville.

The International Festival will be held in North Central’s Merner Field House, 450 S. Brainard St., from noon to 4 p.m. Admission at the door is $5/person and free for children 3 and under. The event is co-sponsored by the College’s Office of International Programs and International Club, the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise and Rotary Club of Naperville Downtown. All proceeds support North Central College scholarships for international study.