Latin Romance is Ensemble Vivant’s 14th CD. Performing music by composers from Latin countries has been a passion since the group’s inception. The rich, seductive musical canvas for Latin Romance evolved over the past few years with arrangements and suggestions from jazz great Rick Wilkins, C.M., a champion of Ensemble Vivant’s music-making since the very early days of the group’s career, and from musical collaborator and arranger Don Thompson, O.C.

Ensemble Vivant’s Latin Romance shimmers with a colourful tapestry of compelling works by Brazilian composers including Egberto Gismonti’s sparkling Loro and his hauntingly beautiful Memoria Y Fado; two popular infectious Brazilian Tangos by Ernesto Nazareth (known as the Scott Joplin of Brazil), Odeon and Garôto; Mozart Carmargo Guarnieri’s deeply alluring Dansa Negra and Antônio Carlos Jobim’s impassioned Zingaro; Argentinean Astor Piazzolla’s riveting Cité Tango and his transcendent OBLIVION; Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona’s joyous Andalucia (Spain’s southern sunny region); Four Latin inspired works include Spanish composer Isaac Albeniz’s famous Tango in D; Canadian composer John Burke wrote his passionate Art Tango, La Despedida as a present for Ensemble Vivant’s pianist Catherine Wilson; Canadian composer Phil Dwyer’s evocative Bernardo’s Tango and American composer Leroy Anderson’s most inspired Latin composition, Serenata, complete this highly original and gorgeous program.

Catherine Wilson
Pianist/Artistic Director of Ensemble Vivant
Founder/Artistic Director of Euterpe: Music for Health Canada

The name Latin Romance already brings to mind many wonderful images of passion, zest for life, living in the moment and romance. Recordings are always just a snapshot or picture of exactly where the artist is at that particular moment in their life and career. It is such a rare treat when both of these elements collide to provide breathtaking and spectacular performances that are captured for all to enjoy.

Ensemble Vivant does just this in their live shows and especially so on this recording that has been lovingly nurtured along its path. From choosing the eclectic repertoire that captures the spirit of the dance of this CD, to the many hours of rehearsal and performance that went into each work in refinement before even rolling the tape recorder, to the attention to every nuance and detail once the recording was complete, creating this truly world class work of art that will not only capture your heart and imagination, but will have you reaching for a dance partner as well as taking you to deeply beautiful and poignant moments.

These musicians are world class and their breathtaking musicianship and the chances that they take will enthrall all. Passion and romance two human traits that help to define and unite us all. Claudio Vena, producer Latin Romance

Special thanks to Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. and Robert Lowrey Pianos for sponsoring the Bosendorfer Grand Piano for Catherine Wilson and to Opening Day Records (ODEG).