TOCA Culture Presents Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana, Cuba
TOCA Culture presents Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana Cuba MIAMI, USA (March 24, 2016) — The Miami-based cultural institution, TOCA Culture, will present Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana, Cuba on May 15th, as the opening concert for the 2016 Cuba Disco Festival. In a historic move, Cuba’s National Symphonic Orchestra will share the stage with U.S. artists based in Miami. This momentous occasion coincides with the Festival’s 20th anniversary. The orchestra, guest musicians, and the Cuban fans of Brazilian music are looking forward to this award-winning program that celebrates ever increasing cultural dialogue between Cuba, Brazil and the U.S. The collaborative performance will be led by the Symphonic Orchestra’s Maestro Enrique Perez Mesa. Bossa Nova Sinfónico is a project founded with the purpose of sustaining Antonio Carlos Jobim’s body of work and legacy among music lovers everywhere. Jobim was the most pivotal figure in Brazilian popular music over the last century. His music has permeated cultures around the world. Jobim’s compositions coupled with the symphony orchestra format and the traditional Brazilian Jazz quintet gives this project its unique appeal. The quintet is formed by singer Rose Max, guitar player Ramatis Moraes, bassist Jamie Ousley, pianist Michael Orta and drummer Carlomagno Araya. Conductor Jeremy Fox, from the original concert in Costa Rica, will be part of the encounter, working together with maestro Perez Mesa. In its first year, this project was performed in Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Its premier in Costa Rica along with the National Symphony Orchestra (March 2013) resulted in the release of a live recording. The CD “Bossa Nova Sinfónico Recordando a Antonio Carlos Jobim” garnered a Latin Grammy nomination, as well as winning “Best CD of the Year” at the 2014 Brazilian Press Awards. “The music of Jobim is universal, and provides the ideal framework to present our PanAmerican musical encounter,” states TOCA Culture director Robson Coccaro. “We are at such a transformative moment in U.S.-Cuban relations, and we are thrilled to be collaborating creatively with Maestro Pérez and Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra. Much like Jobim’s subtle use of rich harmonies in his music, our hope is that this performance will encourage harmony and further stimulate the cultural dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba”. ABOUT TOCA CULTURE TOCA Culture is a not-for-profit cultural organization that promotes the visual and performing arts through cultural exchange and performative encounters throughout the Americas, with particular focus on Brazil-USA-Cuba interface. We support established as well as emerging artists, and produce live and virtual events to showcase their works and introduce their offerings to a global audience. Bossa Nova Sinfónico is scheduled to be presented at the Cuba Disco Music Festival in Havana, Cuba under the direction of Maestro Enrique Pérez Mesa with the National Symphony Orchestra. This showcase of Brazilian Bossa Nova, performed by Brazilian artists based in the US and Cuban musicians from the national orchestra, embodies the cross-cultural focus of TOCA Culture. www.tocaculture.org
Touching the World
For followers of TOCA Events it comes as no surprise that we have the travel bug. And, as it is with ardent travelers, we know that our passion is contagious. No wonder so many of our clients choose to host their events in the exotic locations we are so happy to recommend. From Miami to Rio, Nicaragua to Thailand, Columbia to Berlin, we thrive on the creative synergy generated daily between the members of our global team. And it is through this synergy that TOCA emanates such an international appeal. Coming from such diverse backgrounds, each person who works with us is steeped in the knowledge of his or her specific locale, with the added caveat of an advanced state of curiosity for exploring the rest of the planet. For all of us at TOCA, travel is an art form and a way of life. It is how we understand others, how we learn from them, and how we can enjoy creative ways of interchange. Travel is a way to get a perspective on how things are done differently elsewhere, and then of course to discover how we are all ultimately the same. Experienced and extensive travel brings an ease to one’s relationship with the world. Travel helps make one more adaptable. Through an understanding of varying cultures, we are able to bring a sophisticated and expanded view of possibilities to the table. Each member of our TOCA team knows how to look at art, appreciate all forms of music from folklore to funk, stand by their favorite sports team, enjoy the photographic possibilities of a precious moment, glow in the presence of a fine wine, and so much more. At TOCA, we believe that when we know how to appreciate what life brings, we are more able to serve our clients. Through travel we have learned that a simple picnic on a handwoven blanket in Morocco can be as opulent and memorable an experience as dining in a three-star Michelin rated restaurant in Paris. We know that the value of a well-placed candle is just as effective as a crystal chandelier. And we know that language is no barrier, which of course is one of the reasons we are so well known for our great communication skills! Our mission as a corporate and sporting event company is to bring magic to the venue, as well bringing the venue to the magic! In creating the perfect components for a successful event, we have a toolbox full of scintillating ideas that mix our in-depth knowledge of ideal global locations with exciting activities that reflect the locale. Casting our net far and wide to learn more about the world is what fuels our love of life. And it is this love of life that fuels all of our events, making each one the best party one could ever attend. In doing so, it is our goal to give everyone attending a memorable experience that they can then bring home and share. At TOCA we so enjoy posting some of our favorite spots around the globe, and highlighting interesting current events that help evolve global culture. The fun is always in the sharing, as we reach out and touch the world. www.tocaevents.com
Tailoring Unique Experiences from Rio to Miami
As TOCA Events prepares for the Rio Summer Games 2016, we are digging deep into our local resources to tailor a huge variety of events and activities for our visiting clients and their guests. Making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience is what gives each event its TOCA stamp, as we are able to initiate experiences that only true Rio de Janeiro insiders can do. A native of Rio, TOCA co-owner Robson Coccaro knows the city like the palm and the back of his hand. Combining his deep knowledge of Brazilian culture with partner Sean Gibbons’ breadth of expertise with U.S. and international clients has allowed the two to build a powerful presence in Rio and Miami, with TOCA offices in both major cities. With our South and North American team collaborating daily on ongoing projects, TOCA has an amazing network on the ground in both Rio and Sao Paolo that covers the whole of Brazil. No wonder we are growing as an international event company by leaps and bounds. More and more, our clients are enjoying the fact that our exciting and unique events consist of a local scene that isn’t just a backdrop, but filled with local artists and providers who thoroughly authenticate the experience. With a palette that includes great music and dance, fine arts, exceptional flora and fauna, beaches that defy the imagination, sports activities, fashion shows, and great dining opportunities, our Rio and Miami offices are always buzzing with creative fervor as we plan each new event. www.tocaevents.com