Combining the extraordinary vibrancy of Latin music and the beauty of the classical idiom, Journey Through Latin America is the debut release of British based trio, Classico Latino. Presenting iconic melodies and songs from across the South American continent, including a beautifully arranged tango in Carlos Gardel's 'El da que me quieras', the traditional Venezuelan joropo 'Alma Llanera', and the timeless song 'Gracias a la vida' by Chilean composer Violeta Parra, the album also presents original new works from the trio and Colombian composers. This is music that crosses borders and will appeal to both lovers of classical and world music alike.
Classico Latino was formed in 1999 at Cambridge University by Colombian pianist Ivan Guevara and two rising stars of the British classical music scene, cellist Graham Walker and violinist Lizzie Ball. They developed an original style by audaciously combining traditional Latin American melodies and rhythms with classical music techniques. These groundbreaking arrangements, along with their own compositions, are deliciously performed with verve and virtuosity, creating music with an extraordinary appeal to people from all cultural backgrounds.
The recording features talented friends from Europe and Latin America including popular Colombian singer Andres Cepeda, percussionists Wilmer Sifontes from Venezuela and Sebastian Laverde from Colombia, Mexican guitarist Morgan Szymanski, Colombian tiple player Faber Grajales, Russian violinist Dunja Lavrova, Greek singer Eirini Tornesaki and the extraordinary Gentlemen of St John's College from the University of Cambridge.
