Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad at Center for the Arts

Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra brings its vibrant sound to the Center for the Arts for Salsa Navidad, a celebration of Puerto Rican holiday traditions. Led by pianist and founder Oscar Hernández, the three-time Grammy-winning ensemble has released 10 albums over the past 25 years and performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. Newsday calls the group “the leading light of the salsa reconstruction movement.” Hernández previously served as musical director for Rubén Blades and performed with legends Tito Puente and Celia Cruz. The program blends aguinaldo—the island’s lively caroling tradition—with beloved American Christmas favorites in Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s electrifying salsa dura style. As The New York Times writes, “This band reminds you of the excitement that is central to the salsa orchestra.”

This performance is appropriate for all ages.

Run Time: Approximately 110 minutes, including intermission

BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE

A pre-performance discussion with Spanish Harlem Orchestra Musical Director and Pianist Oscar Hernandez, moderated by Associate Professor Ricardo Vivancos-Pérez from George Mason University’s Department of Modern and Classical Languages, begins one hour prior to the performance.