Three internationally distinguished duos will join forces in the 11th annual Gala For Two Pianos. The Unconservatory will present Duo Pianists Kirk Whipple & Marilyn Morales, Flamenco Duo Cristina Masdueño & Jose Junco and Tango Duo Jeremias Massera & Mariela Barufaldi in concert. The world renowned Whipple – Morales Piano Duo will perform original works and
arrangements from their critically acclaimed recordings “Danzas Para Dos Pianos” and “Latin Lovers.” Celebrated dancers Masdueño & Junco and Massera & Barufaldi will premier their original flamenco and tango dance interpretations of the two-piano pieces.
The program will include “Malagueña” and “La Comparsa” by Ernesto Lecuona. Original works will include “Sevillana Linda” and “Rumbada” by Morales, “Pura Vida” and “Tres Tangos” by Whipple.
The concerts will take place on Saturday & Sunday, February 12th & 13th, 4:00 p.m., at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 7701 SW 76th Ave. A special “informance” for Miami-Dade schools will take place on Friday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m. (Teachers must call ahead for reservations. Seating is limited.)
Doors open 30 minutes before the concert. Tickets can be purchased at the door: $15.00 general, $25.00 couples, $10.00 students & seniors. Groups of ten or more can purchase tickets for $8.00 each, with advance reservation. Children between the ages of 6 & 17 will be admitted free with accompanying adult, paid admission. Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted. Please find an alternate activity for children 5 and under.
For artist photos and interviews, directions to the venue, reservations or any other information about Gala For Two Pianos, please call: (786) 303-5397, or email: Unconservatory@WhipMo.com
BRIEF ARTIST BIOS & LINKS
Kirk Whipple & Marilyn Morales, duo and solo pianists and composers are the Executive and Artistic Directors of The Unconservatory, a national non-profit musical organization and Cranberry
Coast Concerts, an annual summer music festival in Cape Cod. The two were married in a ceremonyand concert performance that included the world premier of their original “Concerto For Two Pianosand Orchestra.”
The duo performed in successful concert tours throughout the French Riviera and, with pianists Frédéric Chauvel and Mark Solé – Lerís, formed The United Nations Piano Quartet. The four pianists premiered Whipple’s work for 2 pianos / 8 hands, entitled “Fives,” in American and European concerts during 2007. In 2006 Whipple & Morales toured 32 states, presenting concerts and
educational events. Highlights included performances and a recording in California with The Unconservatory Festival Orchestra, a.k.a. “The U.F.O.” and the inaugural season of Cranberry Coast Concerts.
National releases by the duo include a book of 1 piano / 4 hand holiday arrangements for beginning pianists, Christmas Treasures and, on Yamaha disklavier disk, The White Season, a recording of Whipple’s holiday piano arrangements with Morales. CD releases include Celebrating Americans and their recording with The U.F.O., Danzas Para Dos Pianos y Orquesta (Dances For Two Pianos & Orchestra).
Junco and Masdueño have toured nationally and internationally as soloists and with flamenco companies. Junco’s credits include a European tour with Paco Romero, the prestigious tablao Cafe de Chinitas in Madrid, a tour of the U.S. and South Africa with Jose Greco and a featured role of Toreador in the Baltimore Opera production of “La Traviata.” Masdueño is director of the
International Institute of Fine Arts in Miami. She recently returned from Argentina, where was a star performer in sold-out shows of “Fantasia Española.” Masdueño also performs in the national touring company of “Mr. Showmanship: A Sparkling Grand Tribute to Lee Liberace!”
Massera and Barufaldi are both natives of Argentina. Barufaldi studied classical dances at a young age and studied theater when she came to the United States. Massera studied music since he was 7 years old, and attended the music programs of New World School of the Arts and Florida International University on full scholarships. The duo has been dancing professional Tango together for four years and have given performances extensively in venues throughout Florida. They perform and teach Argentine Tango including but not limited to: Tango Salon, Tango Fantasia, Milonga and
Tango Waltz.
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