Afro-Cuban singing workshops and scratch choir at TBC
See event details

A gig on Saturday 24th February. The event starts at 13:30.


Pitchblend are teaming up with Bombo Productions once more, along with the Bristol Afro-Cuban Collective, Oxford's Jericho Singers, and Coro de Clave members from London, Wales, Scotland and Granada, Spain to bring you:

Encuentro de Coros - Gathering of the Choirs

The Afro-Cuban workshop series held in Bristol in February 2023, and subsequent workshops and concert held in Oxford in November were a lot of fun, and we're looking forward to getting together again. The project will involve in-person and online workshops and rehearsal and performance, culminating in a performance on the 23rd of March in Bristol. This project is designed to build on what we've all learned in previous workshops, and also to be open to all. Workshop and performance locations are tbc.

Tickets at: www.bomboproductions.com/encuentro-de-coros

Coro de clave is an Afro-Cuban choir tradition that proliferated in the black communities of Western Cuba from the last part of the 1800s until around 1920. They were mobile ensembles, often amassing over 100 members and would compete with other neighbouring groups. This choir tradition combines pleasingly simple harmonies with rich rhythm and percussion. Just the thing to brighten up those dreary winter days.

Music leaders
Established in 2007, Bombo Productions is a community arts organisation that believes in the power of community music to improve people’s lives. They specialise in Afro-Latin American music. The workshops will be led by two hugely experienced teachers and musicians:

Victoria Jassey
Founder and musical director of Bombo Productions, Vicky Jassey is a singer and percussionist who has specialised in Afro-Cuban drum and song music for twenty years in both secular and religious settings. She holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology, which focused on Cuban batá drumming. Vicky is also the director of Moving Voices UK, an organisation that provides support and group singing for female survivors of human trafficking.

David Pattman
David is one of the UK’s leading Latin musicians. He is a percussionist, arranger and composer who has worked with Paul McCartney, Jacob Collier, Omara Portuondo and Cachaito from the Buena Vista Social Club, Bebo Valdez, Tindersticks, Snowboy and the Latin Section, Cubanismo and many more.

David Pattman and Vicky Jassey have, through their combined experience, developed a teaching style which attempts to unlock the mysteries and complexity of Afro-Cuban music, making it accessible to all levels of experience and ability whilst conveying the profound musical beauty and transformative qualities of these culturally rich musical traditions.

'Highly recommended for anyone interested in Afro Cuban folkloric music...Dave and Vicky have figured out the perfect formula to share their very deep knowledge in a really fun and relaxed but also intensive and challenging way. Only thing to be aware of is that this might be addictive.'

'Dave and Vicky are wonderful teachers and people, who love sharing their knowledge and passion for music. I feel so much joy and gratitude after every class I take with them! I can’t speak highly enough of Dave and Vicky’s classes...Thank you, thank you, thank you!'

'10/10 Over the years I've done workshops with Dave, and it's always been a great and rewarding experience. Very warm, friendly and energetic teacher, with extensive knowledge of this music. Can't recommend the course enough...this side of Havana, Bombo productions is the place to go if you want to learn the real essence of Afro Cuban drumming, music and culture.'

Dates
24 February (Bristol), 9 March (Oxford), 16 and 23 March (Bristol)

Prices
For full details and tickets go to Bombo Productions booking page

A One workshop £35/45/55

B One workshop plus rehearsal and performance £65/80/95

C Both workshops, plus rehearsal and performance £95/120/145

Earlybird discount
Until 24 January

Staged payment
Available on tickets costing over £95

Performance and after party
Pay what you can

Entry requirements: no age restrictions

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