Hi Brysan,

I also really enjoyed being able to meet with Nadine before and it helped me to enjoy the performance much more! I completely agree, knowing her backstory made me feel that I was connected to her in a way that I am sure I previously would not have been able to. Hearing about the lifestyle of someone like Nadine was definitely enlightening and eyeopening and made me much more appreciative of all the hard work that goes into her performance!

Nadine, Nadine, Nadine! Maybe it was just because I had heard a quick bit of her voice before the performance, but I was absolutely blown away by her performance especially. I’m sure the acoustics had something to do with it as well, but all of my expectations for the performance were by far exceeded. For such a complicated piece, the entire time felt effortless, from the soloists to the entire ensemble. It was nice that the translation were in the program, I usually find myself more involved in a performance when I know where the musicians are coming from, but I felt that for this performance I didn’t need the words because the music was able to convey emotion without them. Being a part of the audience was wonderful, but being in Hill Auditorium only heightened the experience. Having never heard a classical piece in Hill, it was an experience that I hope to have again. Thanks to UMS for this experience!

This performance reminded me of Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba too! Not only for their improvisation at the end, but in the energy and the collaboration of the performers. Where each performance usually had a leader of the band who led songs and improvisation, there was definitely a type of community feel on stage for both performances. And the dancing in the Pedrito Martinez group reminded me of how Bassekou Kouyate’s family would dance together too. You’re right, just goes to show his universal music can be.

Although the two groups on Friday night definitely different, one undeniable aspect of each performance was their energy. From start to finish, it was clear that each member of the band was relaxed and enjoying themselves on stage. I don’t know much about the improvisation process, but I’m sure a mixture of relaxation and a certain amount of energy helps the creative juices flow. Clearly, they had both. Although both groups impressed me, I enjoyed the Alfredo Rodriguez Trio more than the Pedrito Martinez group because of a few reasons. I felt that the Alfredo Rodriguez trio acted more as a unit (the musicians were constantly watching and smiling each other) and that was reflected in the music, whereas the Pedrito Martinez group felt more like four musicians playing separately, perhaps because a combination of factors (maybe sound mixing, physical configuration, types of instruments?) Additionally, I felt the Alfredo Rodriguez trio played music that not only melodically recognizable in its patterns, but I felt that each member contributed to the songs equally. The piano was the leader, but the songs would not have been as complete or enjoyable without the percussion or bass. Being new to this type of music, I enjoyed each song only after I began to recognize the patterns. I’m not sure it’s my new favorite genre, but I definitely appreciated the opportunity to experience it.

I also really enjoyed the cooperation between the dancers. I think it’s one thing to be able to dance like that, but a whole different playing field to be able to dance with others in that intense of an arena. I really liked the music too, but I don’t know where it was from. At the Q&A session afterwards, I think they said that the choreographer chose it.

From the solo themed to opera music to the crazy head-spinning (literally and figuratively) break dancing to the finger dance, the Compagnie Kafig performance blew all of my expectations out of the water. My favorite part of the performance was the seemingly effortless communication and camaraderie between the dancers and their impressive ability to not only perform incredible stunts as individuals, but as a cohesive unit. Since I went to the Friday performance, I was able to stay afterwards for a Q&A session that highlighted their solidarity even more. Coming from a purely spectator standpoint, they almost felt like high school aged brothers to me from the way they affectionately teased each other. It makes sense, dancing and travelling together for six consecutive years would obviously have an effect on their relationships, and it translated beautifully to their performance. Although I loved Correria, I was more impressed with Agwa; mostly because of the creativity and stunts. The incorporation with water was unlike any other performance I’ve ever seen and there was never a dull moment because of it. Their talent, energy, and collaboration made this performance an extremely enjoyable experience that I am so grateful to have attended!

One aspect of the concert that I particularly enjoyed was the variety of pieces that they played. Each piece had its own personality and reminded me of different experiences. The first piece from Suite from Dirty Wars had almost a tribal feel and the performers body language really showcased their complete immersion in the music. Their entire bodies swayed with the flow of the music, and even in tandem, they all seemed to reflect each other’s movement in their own way. The last song from the Suite was a complete contrast with the first piece though, and I went from feeling upbeat and island-y to a sense of longing and melancholy. Their body language was much more subdued with the last song, maybe to show that they were more focused on showcasing the somber emotion of the piece? This ability to create emotion and remind me of experiences in my life was my favorite part of my performance experience. After the Suite, I figured I would know what to expect for the rest of the performance, but I was constantly surprised with each piece. “Sing, Sing: J. Edgar Hoover” was completely different that the Suite, each showcasing the talent of the Kronos Quartet, in completely different ways. Even “Agency”, which I thought showed influence from “Sing, Sing: J. Edgar Hoover” (maybe that’s just because I had known that Little was Daugherty’s student) both having the senses of nationalistic distrust and sense of foreboding, had different moods and styles.

The encores were a definite highlight of the performance for me. “Cupertino” was a lighthearted contrast to some of the heavier pieces and showed another facet of the quartet. And the volume of the last piece completely surprised me and left me even more impressed with their ability and performance. Overall, I really enjoyed the concert and it left me with a newfound appreciation for musical explorers like the Kronos Quartet.