Classico Latino
Reviews of newly released album “Serenata” and of Classico Latino live in concert…….
“….Here’s something a little different for your ears than the usual crop of music that drops through my letterbox. An album of classical music with a Latin flavour performed quite beautifully by this three-piece consisting of violin, cello and piano. The eleven tracks across the record are generally buoyant, bright and flighty, played with incredible skill and audible passion by the three musicians. They are arrangments and interpretations of the serenades and songs of the Fiesta, and that lively festival atmosphere is palpable on this recording. (translation; I Love You, You Said) are suitably romantic in that epic swoonsome way usually associated with Hollywood classics. From what I can gather this CD release appears to be the culmination of a relationship lasting over ten years, seeing the threesome (who began as a twosome) packing concert halls across the world and, as their website puts it, creating music ‘for all people’. Obviously though classical and Latin American individually aren’t to all tastes, and combined maybe less so, but if you do have an interest in either genre or just a curious and diverse musical ear then these arrangments are rich, lively and fun though probably won’t sway those of the adverse disposition….”
Owain Paciuszko, May 20th 2009
“……Classico Latino is a what it says on the tin a bold marriage of classical and latin inspired music, lovingly produced by wunderkind Pianist(and main man at Ronnie Scotts) James Pearson . The whole album is swathed in full on passionate Latin-American rhythms drawing on such styles as Samba, Bolero and Tango as well as less-well-known rhythms such as Pasillo, Joropo and Currulao. It all adds up to exciting stuff demonstrating the band’s sharp arrangements and enervating style. Lizzie ball’s virtuosic violin dominates throughout underpinned by Ivan Guevara-Bernal’s wonderfully propulsive piano playing. Whatever your cultural background there’s something definately here for you to savour. Highlights are El Gato Montes, Carmentea and their version of Besame Mucho with it’s wistful and somber cello coming in half way through. A very impressive debut from this exciting trio…..”
EMRYS BAIRD Blues and Soul Magazine 2009
“….The Hartfield Group of Friends for Cancer Research UK were truly delighted by Classico Latino’s evening of music – the Group were quite simply sensational and their music took us all by storm….”
Hartfield Friends of Cancer Research UK, July 2005
‘……..Ivan Guevara-Bernal on the piano, Graham Walker on the ‘cello, and Elizabeth Ball on the violin gave Colombians an intensely emotional musical performance of selected Latin American songs, under an exquisite classical format, during their March ‘06 Charity Concert at Teatro Colon in Bogota. The Trio offered a superb rescue of Latin American music pieces, classically performed, to stay forever in everyone’s minds and souls. They resonated with pristine respect to Latin music control, flavour and rhythm. It was difficult to swallow that two Britons, Elizabeth and Graham, could faithfully and naturally play Latin tunes without the blood to do so. At the same time, they gave evidence of the richness and international reach of Latin American music that foreigners sincerely appreciate. The Trio Classico Latino playing was simply glorious; many episodes, like the “Feria de Manizalez” performance were admirable in ensemble and balance. Does [those] who attended Teatro Colon experienced an unearthly and spine-tingling concert. At the end of the Concert, it was not a surprise to see an emotionally touched audience at Teatro Colon repeatedly clapping the return of more Classico Latino to the stage….”
Ricardo Duarte Cancino, President, Fundación Monseñor Isaías Duarte Cancino, April 2006
“…..I am consistently amazed that these young English musicians can play our Latin-American music so superbly. As a trio their passion is incredible, the power of their performances extraordinary and their technique staggering. I recommend their beautiful music wholeheartedly….”
Alfonso Lopez Caballero, former Colombian Ambassador to the UK, April 2006
“….Our NADFAS group were entertained at St Johns College Cambridge to an evening of the most beautifully performed classical Latin American music. The mould was broken when Classico Latino was born. They are so inspirational that we found ourselves on the edge of our seats throughout the evening. The beauty of the violinist Lizzie Ball and her wonderful technique and passion was breathtaking, the humour and sensitive playing of Ivan Guevara was so touching and the dry wit and virtuoso cello playing from Graham gave us a wonderful insight in to the life and music of South America. The demand for their CD was very high and they sold out. This group will go far and we will go far to see them again…”
The Committee of Cavendish NADFAS Buxton Derbyshire, September 2006
“…Classico Latino have visited us three times and have, each time, attracted our largest audience for a lunchtime concert. They play wonderfully, entertain beautifully and present their concerts so well that you cannot fail to enjoy them…”
Martin Denny, Director, Windsor Festival, October 2006
“…Elizabeth Ball, the violinist, Graham Walker on the cello and the leader, composer and arranger, a brilliant pianist Ivan Guevara-Bernal, thrilled and delighted the audience with their exquisite playing of some very well-known pieces, such as Besame Mucho, La Cumparsita and Brazil together with many other pieces, not so well known, but equally enjoyable. This was an exciting evening, loudly applauded by the members and the sponsors….”
Clacton Gazette, from Clacton and North East Essex Arts and Literary Society, November 2006
“Classico Latino were wonderful. It was a great finale to the Festival and I think everyone left with a spring in their step. It is such a joy to watch three amazingly talented musicians thoroughly enjoying themselves and producing wonderful music….”
Church Stretton Arts Festival, August 2007
“Many congratulations to all of you and thank you for making our event very special indeed. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and even those who may have been doubtful (don’t listen to classical music etc.) really enjoyed the “lighter” music that you played….”
Private performance for Complete Coffee Federation, 2007
