In the sultry South Florida Summer nights, languour and boredom are often the de facto conditions of being for those who yearn for musical and visual cultural delectations. Thank goodness for the Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival!

The Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival’s performance of work from Hispanic artists on Saturday July 14, 2018 was a successful display of cross-pollination in dance and music. The second program in a month-long annual summer display of short pieces by composers, both classical and modern, represents a bit of a departure from tradition for classical music lovers.

Julio Medaglia
La Belle Epoque en Sud America – Wind Quintet
Juan Crisostomo de  Arriaga
String Quartet #1 in d minor
Astor Piazzolla
Libertango for violin and piano
Pablo de Sarasate
Carmen Fantasy for violin and piano
Manuel de Falla
3 Dances from 3 Cornered Hat for wind quintet and flamenco
dancer
Particular attention must go to the concept of blending the Tango and Flamenco flavors of Argentina and Spain within a classical music context. This was no more evident than in the accompanying Flamenco dances performed by Eva Conti on stage and in front of the musical performers. Most interestingly is the revelation that Ms. Conti is also an accomplished and touring French horn player and classical musician. Her breadth of talent and passion for Flamenco heightened the level of sensuality in the audience.
Kudso must be paid to the performers of well, each of whom displayed a discipline and commitment during the eclectic program that ranged from the melodramatic and maudlin (Medaglia) to the cute and passionate (Piazzolla).
The Festival continues through July 29, 2018 in West Palm Beach and North Palm Beach.