The Ensemble also performs pieces by Steve Reich and Almadeo Roldan. “The Roldan is the first piece to use Latin American instruments in a classical context,” Novotney notes. “These are all masterpieces in their own right. Their complexity and their variety of sound sources led to the music we have today.”

Then the program expands to the music of Africa, South America and the Caribbean. “We always close out the first half of the show with a set of West African music,” Novotney notes. “It’s led by one of our alums, Joe Bishop.”

The HSU Samba Band is the next to perform, focusing on the music of El Salvador and Brazil.

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