Program Notes: Music of Selena & Carnival of the Animals

SPOTLIGHT 2022/23

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON CELEBRATION WITH YOUR COLORADO SYMPHONY

CHRISTOPHER DRAGON, conductor

Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 7:30pm

Boettcher Concert Hall

STRAVINSKY

The Firebird: Suite (1919) The Firebird and its Dance Firebird Variation

Introduction

Infernal Dance of King Kastchei

JESSIE MONTGOMERY Strum

ELLINGTON/ARR. O’NEIL

Come Sunday

BIZET Carmen Suite no. 2

Chanson du Toreador

BIZET

BIZET

BIZET

Carmen Suite No. 1

Prelude

Carmen Suite No. 2, Danse Boheme

Habanera

Carmen Suite No. 1

Aragonaise

Toreador March

GERSHWIN Porgy and Bess: Selections for Orchestra

TCHAIKOVSKY

Sleeping Beauty: Suite

4. Panorama

5. Waltz

VERDI Aïda: Triumphal March

CONCERT RUN TIME IS APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES WITH NO INTERMISSION

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

SPOTLIGHT BIOGRAPHIES

CHRISTOPHER DRAGON, conductor

Australian conductor Christopher Dragon is the Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony and Music Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. He joined the Colorado Symphony in the 2015/2016 Season as Associate Conductor – a position he held for four years. For three years prior, Dragon held the position of Assistant Conductor with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, which gave him the opportunity to work closely with Principal Conductor Asher Fisch.

Dragon has a versatile portfolio ranging from live-to-picture performances of Nightmare Before Christmas, Jurassic Park and Mary Poppins, a wide variety of collaborations with artists such as The Flaming Lips, Cynthia Erivo and Wynton Marsalis, to standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire such as Danny Elfman’s Violin Concerto, Eleven Eleven, all areas of which he has become highly sought after. Christopher has become known for his charisma, high energy and affinity for a good costume, consistently delivering unforgettable performances that has made him an audience favourite.

Recent season highlights include his subscription series debut with the San Diego Symphony, performances of Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton with Danny Elfman reprising the role of Jack Skellington and the historic Colorado Symphony performances with the Wu-Tang Clan at Red Rocks and the Mission Ballroom. Dragon’s upcoming debuts include concerts with the San Francisco Symphony and the Utah Symphony.

Christopher works regularly in Australia and has guest conducted the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. His 2015 debut performance at the Sydney Opera House with John Pyke and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was released on album by ABC Music and won an ARIA the following year. Christopher’s other guest conducting includes Orquestra Sinfônica de Porto Alegre, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Omaha Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

He has also conducted at numerous festivals including the Breckenridge and Bangalow Music Festivals, with both resulting in immediate re-invitations. At the beginning of 2016 Dragon conducted Wynton Marsalis’ Swing Symphony as part of the Perth International Art Festival alongside Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Christopher began his conducting studies in 2011 and was a member of the prestigious Symphony Services International Conductor Development Program in Australia under the guidance of course director Christopher Seaman. He has also studied with numerous distinguished conductors including Leonid Grin, Paavo and Neeme Jarvi at the Jarvi Summer Festival, Fabio Luisi at the Pacific Music Festival and conducting pedagogue Jorma Panula.

FIRST TIME TO THE SYMPHONY? SEE PAGE 7 OF THIS PROGRAM FOR FAQ’S TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE GREAT!

SPOTLIGHT BIOGRAPHIES

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON, founder / artistic director / choreographer / producer

Cleo Parker Robinson is founder and artistic director of the 52-year-old Denver-based artistic institution, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), leading a professional Ensemble (CPRDE), Cleo II (her 2nd company), a Youth Ensemble, an Academy of Dance, an International Summer Dance Institute, a 240-seat theatre, and numerous community outreach programs nationally and internationally. She has received honors and awards from corporate, civic, community, and artistic entities world-wide, bringing CPRDE to myriad organizations and venues for performances, teaching residencies and community engagement programming. A master teacher/ choreographer and cultural ambassador, she and CPRDE have performed nationwide and throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and the African continent, with their most recent international tours taking them to Bogota, Colombia in Spring of 2019 and Mexico in Fall 2019.

Ms. Parker Robinson’s awards and honors include the Colorado Governor’s Award for Excellence (1974), Denver Mayor’s Award (1979), induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (1989) and the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame (1994). Recognized in Who’s Who in America Colleges and Universities she holds an Honorary Doctorates from Denver University (1991), an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colorado College (2003), an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Regis University in Denver (2008), an Alumni Award from University of Denver (2021), the 2020 Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honous Causa from CU Boulder, and was named an Honorary Member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (2021).

In 1991, Ms. Parker served on the task force creating a permanent location for the Denver School of the Arts (DSA), Denver’s first performing arts magnet school, and was subsequently honored In September 2017 at their 7th Annual Fall Gala, in recognition of her long-term commitment to excellence in arts education. She is also co-founder of the National Bahamian Dance Company, based in Nassau. In 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson was voted an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, in recognition of her longtime commitment and lasting impact on the Center. In June 2017, she received the highly prestigious DanceUSA Honor Award and in September 2017, the Randy Weeks Arts Leadership Award from the Denver School of the Arts.

Ms. Robinson has served on NEA panels on Dance, Expansion Arts, Arts America, and Inter-Arts panels for the USIS, and for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts as well as other national task forces, boards, and committees on the arts. In April 1999, she was appointed by then-President William Jefferson Clinton, with Senate confirmation, to serve for four years on the National Council on the Arts, a 14-member panel advising the Chairman of the NEA on agency policy and programs, reviewing and making recommendations on grant applications.

Since 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson has significantly returned to her greatest passion as a choreographer, creating and presenting Dreamcatchers: The Untold Stories of the Americas and the world premiere of her Romeo and Juliet, in collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Her work On the Edge… Reaching to Higher Ground premiered in October of 2014 in answer to resurging racial and human rights infractions world-wide. In Spring 2017, she restaged two works, melding classical and jazz composition with the power, passion and beauty of modern dance – Romeo and Juliet and Porgy and Bess. Fall 2017 saw the premiere of Copacetic:

PHOTO: JERRY METELLUS

SPOTLIGHT BIOGRAPHIES

A Tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker, honoring her late father. In Spring of 2018, she premiered Lark Ascending in collaboration with the Boulder Philharmonic. Her Rhapsody in Black, created in collaboration with CPRD Associate Artistic Director, Winifred R. Harris, premiered at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, University of Denver. In January 2019, in collaboration with the Denver Brass, she choreographed an innovative interpretation of Bernstein’s On the Town and Spring 2019 saw a collaboration with the Colorado Ballet entitled The MOVE/ment as part of the Tour de Force series at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Center for the Performing Arts. In 2019, she traveled to UMKC, Kansas City, to set a work on the students of CPRDE alum Gary Abbot, entitled Check Cashing Day in tribute to the jazz genius of Bobby Watson and Milt Abel. In August 2021, she premiered Standing On the Shoulders, a work commissioned by the Vail Dance Festival. September 2021 saw the debut of her work Freedom Dance, created in collaboration with jazz icon Dianne Reeves and CPRD co-founder and poet, Schyleen Qualls and in October 2021, she premiered R.I.Power, an original work commissioned by the Colorado College Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs. Her newest work, Sacred Spaces?, set to an original score by Adonis Rose, Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, premiered in September 2022 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Cleo Parker Robinson continues to be dedicated to celebrating the human experience and potential through the Arts and Education. Her life-long vision of “One Spirit, Many Voices” remains strong and steadfast, expanding to welcome, embrace, and sustain all people.

WINIFRED R. HARRIS, Associate Artistic Director

Ms. Harris, choreographer, artist, teacher, and community activist has created a significant body of work with a strong balance of technical prowess and gestural expression. Having trained under Cleo Parker Robinson, she danced professionally for ten years with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble before moving on to Dallas Black Dance Theater and a solo stint in New York and abroad. In October 1991, she relocated to Los Angeles, CA, founding her own award-nominated contemporary modern dance company. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to underprivileged youth, Ms. Harris received several awards from the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles for her teaching efforts within that community. Having served on faculty at various universities and studios nationwide, including Cal Arts (her alma mater), Cal State Los Angeles and Spelman College, she returned to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in 2010 as Ensemble Rehearsal Director and became Associate Artistic Director in 2014. Many of her innovative works are part of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble’s repertoire.

CHLOÉ-GRANT ABEL, Ensemble Rehearsal Director

A Kansas City native, Ms. Abel trained for twelve years under full scholarship at the Kansas City Ballet School. She studied in New York at the Ailey School as a Fellowship recipient, and received her BFA in Dance, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Her professional career includes performances with Quixotic Performance Fusion, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the Owen/Cox Dance Group, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and as an Apprentice with the Kansas City Ballet. Ms. Abel is now in her eleventh season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is also Rehearsal Director for the Ensemble.

PHOTO: MARTHA WIRTH

SPOTLIGHT BIOGRAPHIES

MICHAEL BATTLE, Sportin’ Life (Porgy and Bess)

A native of Detroit, MI, Mr. Battle began his dance training at Detroit School of the Arts at the age of 14. In 2009, he joined the Lula Washington Dance Theatre as a company member, and in 2019, joined Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence, A Dance Company as a company member. Mr. Battle has traveled to China, Russia, Haiti, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. He has performed with Grammy Award Winning and Nominated artists Kamasi Washington, Meshell Ndegeocello, Terence Blanchard, Aurturo O’Farrill, and Jody Watley. After guesting with the Ensemble in 2022, he is now in his first full season with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.

CAELI BLAKE,* Bess (Porgy and Bess)

From the DC Metropolitan area, Ms. Blake began her formal training at BalletNova Center for Dance in Arlington, VA. She attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts (Washington DC) under the tutelage of Charles Augins, Sandra Fortune-Greene, and Katherine Smith. She has studied with various company institutions including Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Dance Theater of Harlem at the Strathmore, and Jazz & Contemporary at Joffrey Ballet. Ms. Blake graduated from Southern Methodist University, with a BFA in Dance Performance and BS in Education & Human Development. While a full-time student at SMU, she danced with B.Moore Dance. She has performed in works by Robert Battle, Christopher Huggins, Kevin Iega Jeff, Bridget L. Moore, Silas Farley, Nicole Clarke-Springer, among others.

COREY BOATNER, The Evil Spirit (Firebird) / Come Sunday Duet / Don José (Carmen)

Growing up in Hammond IN, Mr. Boatner trained in multiple dance techniques at the Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts. An alum of Indiana University, he performed there in notable works including Kyle Abrahams Radio Show, Jose Limon’s Psalm, Andrea Millers Spill, Jerome Robbins Fanfare, and the original restaging of Twyla Tharp’s Deuce Coupe and Rennie Harris’ Home. He has also toured professionally with Elizabeth Shea Dance in Philadelphia and New York and performed overseas with Norwegian Creative Studios. After one season as an apprentice, Mr. Boatner is now in his second season as an Ensemble member.

JASMINE FRANCISCO, Carmen Soloist (Carmen)

From Houston, TX, Ms. Francisco began her training at the Fine Arts Magnet School, originally called Johnston Middle School, under Jesse Woodcock, graduating in 2012 from The High School of Performing and Visual Arts as a dance major under the directions of Luanne Carter and Janie Carothers. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts 2016 from Point Park University with repertoire from Jessica Lang, Terrance Marling, Troy Powell, Bennyroyce Royon, Garfield Lemonius and MADBOOTS. In her sophomore year of 2010, her student choreography project Tales of Courage was chosen to be featured at ACDA for the University. Six months after graduating from Point Park, she joined the Lula Washington Dance Theater in Los Angeles, CA for two seasons,

SPOTLIGHT BIOGRAPHIES

performing works by Kyle Abraham, Donald Bryd, Rennie Harris, Christopher Huggins, and David Roussève. In 2018, Ms. Francisco moved to Denver, CO, joining the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where she is now in her fifth season as a company member. She also serves as the rehearsal director for the CPRD Junior Youth Ensemble.

RALAYA S. GOSHEA, Come Sunday Duet

Born in Detroit, Ms. Goshea trained at the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts and Oakland University, receiving her BFA. She has performed with the Brown Dance Project, Patterson Rhythm and Pace, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, SMAGDance Company and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). After being a member of Cleo II, she is now in her eleventh season with the Ensemble and also serves as Wardrobe Mistress for the Ensemble’s local performances and national touring.

TYVEZE LITTLEJOHN

After graduating in 2011 from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Mr. Littlejohn apprenticed with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble for one year. In the Summer of 2017, he toured in the south of France touring his original work Evolution of Love. As a choreographer and teacher, he has worked with many diverse communities. In 2014, while performing with Lexington Ballet, he taught children with specific disabilities, and while touring with Ballet Palm Beach, he traveled to Cuba where he worked with the elder community. Having performed with Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montreal, Lexington Ballet, and Ballet Palm Beach (2015-2018), with leading roles in Giselle, The Nutcracker, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Rite of Spring, and Gatsby, he subsequently returned to the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in 2018. Touring with the Ensemble, he has performed at the American Dance Festival in 2019, the Vail Dance Festival in 2021, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in 2022. Mr. Littlejohn is now in his fifth season with the Ensemble.

SAMIYAH LYNNICE, The Firebird (Firebird)

A Florida native. Ms. Lynnice began her training at Academy of Ballet Arts and Artz 4 Life Academy, Inc. in the Tampa Bay area. A graduate of New World School of the Arts, she holds a a BFA in dance from The Hartt School in Hartford, CT. In her youth, she toured the United States as a principle dancer with DunDu Dole West African Ballet and starred in the Chocolate Nutcracker as “Claire” and “The Dream Princess”. She has performed works by Martha Graham, Jose Limon, Doug Varone, Norbert DeLaCruz, Donald McKayle, Manuel Vignoulle, Brian Arias, Darrell Grand Moultrie, and Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez. Her sophomore year, she performed at the prestigious Joyce Theater during the Jose Limon International Dance Festival. She has been accepted into various summer workshops including Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, RIOULT, Martha Graham Summer Intensive, Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and White Mountain Dance Festival. As a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, where she is now in her fifth season, she has performed at the American Dance Festival in 2019, the Vail Dance Festival in 2021, and the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in 2022.

SPOTLIGHT BIOGRAPHIES

GABRIELA MADURO, Aida Soloist (Aida)

Originally from Fremont California, Ms. Maduro began her dance training at Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts Academy and Nor Cal Dance Arts. She has attended Summer Intensives with the Ailey School, the Martha Graham School, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. She is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. While at UCI, she was honored to perform as part of the distinguished Donald McKayle’s Etude Ensemble. She has performed works by Donald McKayle, Martha Graham, Darshan Singh Bhuller among others. Upon graduation, Ms. Maduro joined Cleo II, and after one season as an apprentice, joined the Ensemble, where she is now her second season.

BRANDON PENN,** The Prince (Firebird) / Porgy (Porgy and Bess)

Originally from Richmond, VA, Mr. Penn began his training at age 10 with the Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center where he studied with Annette Holt, Rodney Williams and Willie Hinton. He later enrolled in the School of Richmond Ballet, studying under Igor Antanov, Malcolm Burn, and others. After three years at Richmond Ballet, he was accepted in his senior year as a trainee of the company. Upon graduation, Mr. Penn spent one year at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase College Conservatory for Dance, studying under Larry Clark, Taryn Russell, and Ted Kivitt and others. Subsequent to his year at SUNY, he was offered a position with Atlanta Ballet 2. After two years there, he accepted a company position with the Columbia City Ballet. Later, he accepted a principal contract with the Fort Wayne Ballet where he completed two seasons. He has now launched a freelance career, guesting with diverse companies, including the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

TOPAZ VON WOOD

Originally from Sarasota, FL. Ms. von Wood began her earliest classical ballet training under the direction of Wilmian Hernandez. At age fourteen, she joined the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School Conservatory under the direction of Ariel Serrano. Having participated in Summer Intensives with The Ailey School, Joffrey Ballet School, Sarasota Ballet School, and The Carreno Dance Festival, she later graduated from The Ailey School Certificate Program in New York. While touring with the Ailey Student Performance Group, she performed works by Ray Mercer, Carlos Dos Santos, Jr., and Earl Mosley. Upon graduation, Topaz joined Cleo II, was an apprentice to the company for one season, and is now in her second season as an Ensemble member.

SPOTLIGHT BIOGRAPHIES

CLEO II

DEVRAE JEFFERSON / King Kamehameha (Firebird) / Porgy Understudy

SADIE SANDOVAL

LAUREN SLAUGHTER

MELVIN SUTTON

*Apprentice to the Ensemble ** Guest Artist

Casting and program order are subject to change without prior notice.

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE – INSPIRING MOVEMENT!

Currently celebrating its 52nd Anniversary Season, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is rooted in African American traditions, and dedicated to excellence in performances and enrichment programming. Viewing dance as a universal language of movement that transcends boundaries of culture, class, and age, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is committed to honoring diversity and inclusiveness throughout the global community.

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE

www.cleoparkerdance.org

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE IN CONCERT

FRIDAY, MAY 12 · 7:30PM

$45 ADULT · $35 YOUTH/ELDER

SATURDAY, MAY 13 · 7:30PM

6:30PM VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION INCLUDED

$75 ALL PREMIUM TICKETS

SUNDAY, MAY 14 · 2PM · MOTHER'S DAY

$45 ADULT · $35 YOUTH/ELDER

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE THEATRE 119 PARK AVE W. DENVER, CO 80205

TICKETS @ CLEOPARKERDANCE.ORG

SAVE THE DATE! CPRD @ THE ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE ・

&

ALTERNATIVE 2022/23

THE MUSIC OF SELENA

ANDRÉS FRANCO, conductor

ISABEL MARIE SÁNCHEZ, vocalist

SYDNEY HARPER, supporting vocalist

RAJDULARI, supporting vocalist

BRIAN JACKSON, supporting vocalist

Friday, March 31, 2023 at 7:30pm

Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 7:30pm

Boettcher Concert Hall

LARA Granada

Arr. Gonzalez

VELA- HYNDE Fotos y Recuerdos

Arr. Podd

QUINTANILLA No Llores Más Coranzón

Arr. Podd

HERNÁNDEZ El Cumbanchero

Arr. Gold

THOMAS I Could Fall In Love

Arr. Podd

LEAL Tú Sólo Tú

Arr. Shoup

ALTERNATIVE 2022/23

MASSER- SALEET Where Did the Feeling Go?

Arr. Podd

MÁQUEZ Danzón No. 2

MEJÍA Oh! Gran Dios

Arr. Shoup

QUINTANILLA- ASTUDILLO Baila Esta Cumbia

Arr. Podd

FALLA Ritual Fire Dance from El amor Brujo

VELA No Me Queda Más

Arr. Podd

GOLDE- SNOW Dreaming of You

Arr. Podd

VARIOUS Con Tanto Amor Medley

Arr. Podd

CONCERT RUN TIME IS APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES WITH A NO INTERMISSION

FIRST TIME TO THE SYMPHONY? SEE PAGE 7 OF THIS PROGRAM FOR FAQ’S TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE GREAT!

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

ANDRÉS FRANCO, conductor

Colombian-born Andrés Franco continues to delight audiences with his imaginative programming and energetic style. A frequent guest conductor in the U.S., Europe, and South America, Mr. Franco has appeared with the symphonies of Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Fort Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Omaha, and St. Louis; the philharmonic orchestras of Boise and Oklahoma City; and the Chicago Sinfonietta. Worldwide, he has conducted the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León/Spain, the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru, Bogotá Philharmonic, Medellin Philharmonic, and EAFIT Symphony Orchestra in Colombia. He has also appeared at the Cabrillo, Grant Park, OK Mozart, Oregon Bach, Round Top, and Texas Music festivals.

Mr. Franco is dedicated to preserving and performing the music of the Americas. As Principal Conductor of Caminos del Inka, he has led many performances of works by Latin American composers, such as Jimmy López, Diego Luzuriaga, and Argentine composer, Astor Piazzolla.

Andrés Franco served five seasons as Music Director of Tulsa’s Signature Symphony and Resident Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony. He has also served as Associate, then Resident Conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony, and Music Director of the Kansas City Philharmonia.

From 2020 to 2023, Mr. Franco served as Executive Director of City of Asylum in Pittsburgh, an organization devoted to building a just community by protecting and celebrating free expression. City of Asylum is the largest exiled writer sanctuary in the world and a cultural organization that presents more than 150 free programs annually.

Born into a musical family, Mr. Franco began piano studies with his father, Jorge Franco. An accomplished pianist, he studied with Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Jose Feghali, and attended piano workshops with Rudolph Buchbinder in Switzerland and Lev Naumov in France. He studied conducting with Marin Alsop, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Helmut Rilling, Gerard Schwarz, Leonard Slatkin, Gustav Meier and Kurt Masur.

Andrés Franco holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, as well as Master of Music degrees in piano performance and conducting from Texas Christian University.

He is married to Victoria Luperi, associate principal clarinet and principal E-flat clarinet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

www.andres-franco.com

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

ISABEL MARIE SÁNCHEZ, vocalist

Isabel Marie Sánchez is 2017 Tejano Music Awards Best New Female Artist. She was also nominated in three categories in the 2018 Tejano Music Awards. She’s a recording artist signed to Q-Production/Q-Zone Records and is currently working with Mr. Abraham Quintanilla Jr. (Selena’s father).

Isabel Marie was recently honored to receive the Texas House Member’s Resolution for her contribution to the arts/community service and leadership in the Latino Community on the house floor at the State Capitol in Austin. At her young age, Isabel Marie became the youngest and first Tejano artist ever to have three songs in rotation at the same time listed in the top 20 for the nationally syndicated bilingual show, Tejano Gold Countdown. She was also invited to be on the international shows “La Voz Kids 3” and Sabado Gigante.

Through her gift of music, Isabel is showcasing not only her talent but also the importance of music to the Latino culture. She may be young, but she has definitely impacted the music scene and will continue to influence young female Latinas to dream big and strive for excellence.

SYDNEY HARPER, supporting vocalist

Sydney Harper is the owner and lead instructor of Harper Arts, a private performing arts coaching business based in Denver and is a mama to her two wonderful daughters, Cecily and Penny Lane. She also travels regularly to perform backup vocals with Capathia Jenkins in Aretha: A Tribute and She’s Got Soul. Recent credits include Holiday Celebration (Wyoming Symphony), Aretha: A Tribute (CSO at Red Rocks Amphetheater), Music of Selena (CSO), Seó na Nollag: A Celtic Christmas Celebration (Irish Dance Theatre), Shuffle with Scott O’Neil and The Rosetta Music Society, Seussical at Stapleton on the Green (Mayzie La Bird/Music Director), Broadway Sings! with the Highlands Ranch Community Association, the Colorado Symphony 25th Anniversary Gala and Biennial of the Americas, Denver Night (Tragedy on the Sea Nymph, Liliana Porter) and Holiday Cheer! with the Denver Philharmonic. CSO appearances: Shuffle, Shuffle II, A Colorado Christmas (2009), Giya Kinchelli’s composition “STYX” (2008, North American Premier), and Lord of the Rings Symphony (2006). Sydney holds a BFA in Music Theatre, a BA in Spanish Translation and Interpretation from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a MA in International Studies from the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies. Follow @sydbharperarts Instagram and sydneyharper5 TikTok

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

RAJDULARI, supporting vocalist

Rajdulari is a chart-topping jazz/soul vocalist and actor based in Denver, Colorado. Her latest album ‘Journey of a Woman’ reached Billboard’s Top 100 in R&B, and held the #1 spot on UK’s Soul chart for over three weeks. Hailed as one of Soultrain.com’s “Best of What’s Next” artists, Rajdulari is now in the process of recording her 3rd album under her own Independent Label. Having toured worldwide (including venues in New York, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Birmingham, Washington D.C., London and Paris), Rajdulari continues to grace the music industry with her empowering lyrics, soulful and revolutionary performances nationwide. Her charming charisma accompanied by her rich, passionate vocals give her an unforgettable presence on stage. For more info, visit www.rajdulari.com

BRIAN JACKSON, supporting vocalist

Brian Jackson is very excited to be returning to Boettcher Concert Hall to sing with Isabela Sanchez and the Colorado Symphony. He is a Colorado native and has been singing and performing in Colorado for 20 years. Over the past four years, you may have seen Brian performing (and having the time of his life) with ‘Motones and Jerseys.’ Love to his family Julia, Hazel, and Frankie for all of their support.

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS WITH THE DENVER ZOO ANDRÉS FRANCO,

conductor

Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 2:30pm Boettcher Concert Hall

MOZART The Marriage of Figaro Overture

MANCINI Baby Elephant Walk

SAINT-SAENS Carnival of the Animals

BIZET Habanera from Carmen: Suite No. 2

STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite (1919), Mvt. VI Finale

CONCERT RUN TIME IS APPROXIMATELY 50 MINUTES WITH NO INTERMISSION

FIRST TIME TO THE SYMPHONY? SEE PAGE 7 OF THIS PROGRAM FOR FAQ’S TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE GREAT!

Saturday’S concert iS dedicated to KaiSer Permanente

FAMILY BIOGRAPHIES

ANDRÉS FRANCO, conductor

Colombian-born Andrés Franco continues to delight audiences with his imaginative programming and energetic style. A frequent guest conductor in the U.S., Europe, and South America, Mr. Franco has appeared with the symphonies of Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Fort Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Omaha, and St. Louis; the philharmonic orchestras of Boise and Oklahoma City; and the Chicago Sinfonietta. Worldwide, he has conducted the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León/Spain, the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru, Bogotá Philharmonic, Medellin Philharmonic, and EAFIT Symphony Orchestra in Colombia. He has also appeared at the Cabrillo, Grant Park, OK Mozart, Oregon Bach, Round Top, and Texas Music festivals.

Mr. Franco is dedicated to preserving and performing the music of the Americas. As Principal Conductor of Caminos del Inka, he has led many performances of works by Latin American composers, such as Jimmy López, Diego Luzuriaga, and Argentine composer, Astor Piazzolla.

Andrés Franco served five seasons as Music Director of Tulsa’s Signature Symphony and Resident Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony. He has also served as Associate, then Resident Conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony, and Music Director of the Kansas City Philharmonia.

From 2020 to 2023, Mr. Franco served as Executive Director of City of Asylum in Pittsburgh, an organization devoted to building a just community by protecting and celebrating free expression. City of Asylum is the largest exiled writer sanctuary in the world and a cultural organization that presents more than 150 free programs annually.

Born into a musical family, Mr. Franco began piano studies with his father, Jorge Franco. An accomplished pianist, he studied with Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Jose Feghali, and attended piano workshops with Rudolph Buchbinder in Switzerland and Lev Naumov in France. He studied conducting with Marin Alsop, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Helmut Rilling, Gerard Schwarz, Leonard Slatkin, Gustav Meier and Kurt Masur.

Andrés Franco holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, as well as Master of Music degrees in piano performance and conducting from Texas Christian University.

He is married to Victoria Luperi, associate principal clarinet and principal E-flat clarinet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

www.andres-franco.com

FAMILY BIOGRAPHIES

STEFANIE KESHOCK, animal ambassador

Stefanie is originally from Ohio and graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Biology. In her 16 year career as a zookeeper, she has developed expertise with a large variety of animals including large mammals like lions and rhinos to birds like parrots and birds of prey as well as dozens of species of reptiles and amphibians. Stefanie has a strong passion for developing long-lasting connections between animals and people. Her favorite animal at Denver Zoo is “Jorge” the llama.

KELSEY REYNOLDS, animal ambassador

Kelsey is a Denver native and grew up going to Denver Zoo which contributed to her developing a passion for animals. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Zoology before joining Denver Zoo as a zookeeper in 2018. In addition to her passion for her work, Kelsey also has a passion for music, having marched drumline for nine years Kelsey is an avid traveler and enjoys spending time with her family. Her favorite animal at Denver Zoo is “Luna” the eastern screech owl.

DENVER ZOO

Home to almost 3,000 animals representing more than 450 species, Denver Zoo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and the city’s oldest and most passionate advocate for the natural world. The Zoo is among the most visited cultural destination in Colorado, serving almost 2 million people per year, and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which assures the highest standards of animal care. With the mission inspiring communities to save wildlife for future generations, Denver Zoo dedicates almost $2 million annually to Zoo-led programs aimed at protecting animals within their natural habitats around the world. For more information, visit DenverZoo.org.