Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Manuel Barrueco play Morrison Artists Series, April 19

Piazzolla works close modern Latin music concert by renowned string quartet, guitarist

SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2009 — The Cuarteto Latinoamericano and guitarist Manuel Barrueco, among the world’s leading proponents and performers of Latin American classical music, are the grand finale of the Morrison Artists Series season at San Francisco State University. They will perform together at 3 p.m. Sunday, Apri1 19, at SF State in McKenna Theatre. Admission is free.

Cuarteto Latinoamericano, formed in 1982, is known worldwide as the leading proponent of Latin American music for string quartet. This award-winning ensemble from Mexico consists of the three Bitrán brothers, violinists Saúl and Arón and cellist Alvaro, along with violist Javier Montiel. The Cuarteto has recorded most of the Latin American repertoire for string quartet. The sixth volume of its Villa-Lobos 17 quartets cycle was nominated for a 2002 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Recording and a Latin Grammy.

Barrueco, also a Grammy nominee, is recognized internationally as one of the most important guitarists of our time. His unique artistry has been continually described as that of a superb instrumentalist and a superior and elegant musician, possessing a seductive sound and uncommon lyrical gifts.

On April 19 at SF State, the Cuarteto Latinoamericano and Barrueco will perform Guastavino: Las Presencias No. 6, “Jeromita Linares”; Daugherty: Bay of Pigs; del Aguila: Boliviana, Op. 97; Frank: Inca Dances; Piazzolla: Five Tango Sensations, arranged for guitar and quartet; Piazzolla: Milonga del Angel; and Piazzolla: Muerte del Angel. The performance of Miguel del Aguila’s Boliviana, Op. 97, is a West Coast premiere.

Much of the April 19 program is featured on “Sounds of the Americas,” a new CD published by Tonar Music. Baltimore Magazine writes: “The pairing of Manuel Barrueco and Cuarteto Latinoamericano, once again, yields sublime results.”

The Morrison Artists Series is presented at San Francisco State University’s College of Creative Arts. Bringing Bay Area audiences the world’s finest chamber music since 1955, the Morrison Artists Series was created as part of the Morrison Chamber Music Center. Led by Artistic Director Saul Gropman, the Morrison Artists Series presents six free Sunday afternoon performances each year by acclaimed chamber music ensembles in the 700-seat McKenna Theatre on the SF State campus. Visit http://musicdance.sfsu.edu/morrison.

Location and Parking
McKenna Theatre is located in the Creative Arts Building on the SF State campus, 1600 Holloway Ave. (at 19th Ave.), San Francisco. Public parking is available in Lot 20, accessed from Lake Merced Boulevard between Winston Drive and Font Boulevard. On weekends and evenings only, public parking is available in Lots 1 and 2, on Holloway Ave. (at 19th Ave.). Parking is $1 per hour with a $5 daily maximum. Nearby street parking is readily available on weekends. For details, visit www.sfsu.edu/~parking.

Calendar Editors, Please Note:
Morrison Artists Series: Cuarteto Latinoamericano with Manuel Barrueco
Sunday, April 19, 3 p.m.
McKenna Theatre, Creative Arts Building, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave. (at 19th Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94132
Admission: Free
Information: http://musicdance.sfsu.edu/morrison
Program: Guastavino: Las Presencias No. 6, “Jeromita Linares”; Daugherty: Bay of Pigs; del Aguila: Boliviana, Op. 97; Frank: Inca Dances; Piazzolla: Five Tango Sensations, arranged for guitar and quartet; Piazzolla: Milonga del Angel; and Piazzolla: Muerte del Angel.

Cuarteto Latinoamericano, formed in 1982, is known worldwide as the leading proponent of Latin American music for string quartet. This award-winning ensemble from Mexico has recorded most of the Latin American repertoire for string quartet. The sixth volume of its Villa-Lobos 17 quartets cycle was nominated for a 2002 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Recording and a Latin Grammy. Manuel Barrueco, also a Grammy nominee, is internationally recognized as one of the most important guitarists of our time. His unique artistry has been continually described as that of a superb instrumentalist and a superior and elegant musician, possessing a seductive sound and uncommon lyrical gifts.

Bringing Bay Area audiences the world’s finest chamber music since 1955, the Morrison Artists Series at San Francisco State University is “indispensable,” the San Francisco Chronicle writes. Under the command of Artistic Director Saul Gropman, the series presents six free Sunday afternoon performances each year by acclaimed ensembles.

PHOTOS/INTERVIEWS: For photos or to schedule interviews, contact Matt Itelson at 415/338-1442 or matti@sfsu.edu.