Latin Jazz sensation Paquito D’Rivera and Brasil Guitar Duo at SSU March 18

SALEM – Latin jazz legend, composer and 11-time Grammy winner Paquito D’Rivera joins guitar sensations the Brasil Guitar Duo (João Luiz and Douglas Lora) for an evening of Latin American musical synergy at Salem State University’s Recital Hall on March 18.These dazzling musicians will take concertgoers on a musical tour of Brazil, Cuba and other Latin countries with rich musical traditions.Paquito D’Rivera is celebrated both for his artistry in Latin jazz and his achievements as a classical composer. He is a National Medal for the Arts recipient and has been named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, the Jazz Journalists Association Clarinetist of the Year and a Living Jazz Legend at the Kennedy Center.Born on the island of Cuba, D’Rivera began his career as a child prodigy. He was a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, and directed the group for two years, while also playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra.D’Rivera has won several GRAMMYs over the course of his impressive career, including “Best Latin Jazz Album” in 2007 for “Funk Tango,” the first release of D’Rivera’s new label, Paquito Records. He is the first artist to win Latin GRAMMYs in both Classical and Latin Jazz categories (2003), for Stravinsky’s “Historia del Soldado” and “Brazilian Dreams” with the New York Voices.Joining D’Rivera is the Brasil Guitar Duo, an innovative group whose music features a seamless blend of traditional and Brazilian works, resulting in a global touring schedule and numerous critically acclaimed recordings. João Luiz and Douglas Lora met in São Paulo as teenage guitar students and have been performing together for more than 10 years. The duo won the 2006 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, and is noted for their sublime synchronicity and effortless performance style. Classical Guitar Magazine exclaims: “The maturity of musicianship and technical virtuosity ?is simply outstanding.”The Duo’s recording debut for the Naxos label features two albums of the complete works for two guitars by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, the first of which was released in 2008 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the composer’s death, and the latest released in June 2009. Their latest release features the complete Bach Flute Sonatas with flutist Marina Piccinini.The concert is presented by SSU’s Center for Creative and Performing Arts.If You Go? What: Paquito D’Rivera, clarinet and the Brasil Guitar DuoWhen: Monday, March 18 at7:30 p.m.Where: Salem State University, Recital Hall, 71 Loring Ave.Tickets: www.salemstatetickets.com or by phone at978-542-6365Ticket prices: $20 general and $10 non-Salem State students and seniors.