Danzón Charanga benefit raises $20K for FIU School of Music

Nestor Torres performs with the FIU Danzón Charanga Ensemble

“Keeping La Tradición” (“Keeping The Tradition”) was the theme for the benefit concert featuring Nestor Torres and the FIU Danzón Charanga Ensemble presented on April 23 at the Herbert & Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center at Modesto A. Maidique Campus.

The vibrant show constituted a heartfelt tribute to authentic Cuban rhythms and traditional Cuban music and raised $20,000 in scholarship money for the FIU School of Music.

Guests enjoyed a program featuring songs ranging from the 18th century to modern day, masterfully performed by students comprising the FIU Danzón Charanga Ensemble led by Torres, who held the concert to bring an old tradition back through a new generation of musicians that will keep alive the danzón and the charanga art forms.

In addition to his band members and student musicians, the Latin Grammy Award-winning flautist brought a very special guest to the stage. His father, pianist Nestor Torres Sr., joined the ensemble and received a standing ovation from the audience for his superb performance.

Audiovisual recordings from musicians such as Israel “Cachao” López and Paquito Rivera, as well as interviews from students enrolled in the Danzón/Charanga class complemented the show. The evening concluded with a reception hosted at FIU’s Reagan House where Torres, joined by FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg and his wife Rosalie, rubbed elbows with “Keepers of La Tradicion” supporters.