UC Merced's UpstART, a faculty-directed arts organization, presents Quinteto Latino, the San Francisco Bay Area wind quintet, expanding the boundaries of classical music by performing works exclusively by Latinx composers. On Wednesday, November 8, at 7 p.m., Quinteto Latino will bring their music to the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, located at 645 W Main St in Merced. This event is free to the public.
Quinteto Latino advocates on behalf of Latinx composers and classical musicians - acting as an amplifying voice, both regionally and nationally, for issues pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion in classical music. The quintet's members are trained in the nation's top conservatories and are committed to teaching artists, having worked with students of all ages and ability levels. Come prepared for a night of contemporary Latin-American music that engages the heart and soul.
"Quinteto Latino is among a small number of organizations nationwide leading by example at the nexus of diversity, performance, and arts education. Quinteto Latino meets this moment with the credibility that comes with fifteen years' worth of diverse Latin American programming for audiences across the United States…(They) build authentic solidarity vital to shaping an arts ecosystem that is reflective of our society's artistic potential," states Karen Cueva, the Director for Learning and Engagement Programs at Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute.
Founded in 2004 by French horn player Armando Castellano, this unique ensemble aims to expand the boundaries of classical music by performing works exclusively by Latinx composers. Through innovative work in venues both traditional and nontraditional, they strive to make this music available, relevant, and inspiring to audiences across cultural, class, and ethnic lines. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2020, the organization additionally advocates for Latinx composers and BIPOC classical musicians through mentoring, commissioning, consulting, public speaking, and hiring.
For more information about Quinteto Latino, contact Kim McMillon at kmcmillon@ucmerced.edu and/or Jayson Beaster-Jones at jbeaster-jones@ucmerced.edu.
