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Camerata Del Sol to perform two concerts featuring Mendelssohn and Golijov

Leora Zeitlin

One of the foremost composers of our day, Osvaldo Golijov grew up in Argentina when Astor Piazzolla was composing and performing his famous tangos worldwide. After Piazzolla’s death, Golijov wrote a work for nine string players called “Last Round” that pays tribute to his fellow Argentinian composer. His goal was to “imitate the wonderful, amazing, beautiful sound of Astor Piazzolla’s bandoneon,” said Daniel Vega-Albela, speaking of the small accordion-like instrument that Piazzolla made famous. Vega-Albela is the artistic director of Camerata del Sol, which will perform “Last Round” next week in two concerts, and he came to KRWG to speak with Intermezzo host Leora Zeitlin.

Camerata del Sol, which features some of the region’s top  string players, will also perform Felix Mendelssohn’s famous Octet, which he wrote at the age of 16. “It surprises me every time I play it,” Vega-Albela said. “It’s beautiful piece, and it’s got everything. It’s fast, it’s got beautiful melodies, it’s got the whole range of emotions, and the writing is so good. He is remarkable.” Listen here for much more about Golijov, Piazzolla and Mendelssohn, and all the artists who will perform next week. The main concert is Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 at First Presbyterian Church in Las Cruces. A benefit concert for Camerata del Sol will also take place on Friday night at a private home.

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