The Rhythm of Lorca with Guest Artist El Piraña
Israel "El Piraña" Suárez
Marta Vila Aguilá
The Mediterranean Music Institute spring concert presents an evening of music that will take the audience from the poetry of Federico García Lorca to the rhythms of the cajón, featuring the acknowledged master of the instrument, Israel "El Piraña" Suárez.
As a continuation of the Berklee Meets Lorca project, a tribute to the poetry of Federico García Lorca, one of the most important poets of the 20th century, songwriting students will perform a selection of their own compositions set to Lorca’s poetry. Joined by guest artist Israel Suárez "El Piraña,” world-renowned cajón player, they will move on to perform a Spanish/South American repertoire featuring the cajón and its incredible musical evolution and adaptation to many music styles.
El Piraña is considered one of the greatest cajón players of all time, and is an essential reference for percussionists all around the world. He has played with artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Ricky Martin, Chick Corea, Paquito D’Rivera, and Wynton Marsalis, to name a few, and was a member of the great flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía’s band for more than 10 years.
El Piraña will also be offering a clinic, El Piraña: The World of the Cajón, at Berk Recital Hall on March 26 at 1:00 pm. He will demonstrate the different techniques for the instrument, as well as how to adapt it to different music styles.