Relaxed Saturday Live: Cuban Rhythms

Experience inspiring performances by top emerging artists in our historic venue, renowned for its superb acoustics. Our recitals are programmed in collaboration with leading music colleges and charities, providing a platform for the stars of tomorrow. Discover exceptional talent in a unique settting.

Free admission | Donations welcome

Whether £5 or any amount you’re able to give. Donations can be made in cash in the basket on your way out, or by tap donation at the machines at our exits. Your generosity helps support our cultural events and charitable services. Thank you.

Cuban legend Javier Zalba explores the rhythms and sounds of this wonderful Caribbean island. A family friendly concert for all ages where you can hear a variety of wind instruments. Come and join us!

Programme

J. Zalba (1955): Suite Exposiciones for Soprano Saxophone and Piano

I. Allegro moderato

M. Simons (1889-1945): Manisero “The peanut Vendor”

J. Zalba: Burbujas for Flute and Piano

J. Zalba: Relaxing Habanera for Clarinet and Piano

E. Lecuona (1895-1963): La Comparsa

Javier Zalba (Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone)

Jose Zalba-Smith (Flute and Piano)

Artist Bio

Javier Zalba: (1955-)is one of the most renowned and internationally acclaimed Cuban musicians from his generation. He graduated from the Cuban National School of Arts (ENA) as a clarinetist in 1976 and in 1984 as a flutist from the Professional Studies School „Ignacio Cervantes.“ He began his professional career as a clarinet teacher at the ENA in 1978. In the very same year, he became a member of the “Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna” and in 1980 he joined the group of the well-recognized pianist Felipe Dulzaides.

In the following years he was a member of numerous influential Cuban formations (Irakere, Cubanismo, Temperamento, Afrojazz and many more). In the year 2000, he joined the Buena Vista Social Club Orchestra around singer Ibrahim Ferrer performing at the most prestigious venues around the world.

Throughout all this time he has combined these musical activities with classical music. He has been invited to join the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra in Havana and many other chamber music ensembles as a member and soloist several times.

Javier also works as a teacher giving master classes in Latin Jazz and Cuban popular music. He is also a prolific composer and has published a wide range of music which can be found through Schotts and Advance Music publishing companies.

He frequently performs and collaborates in projects with his son Jose Zalba-Smith, London based flautist and pianist, and his bands Tradicional Cubano and The Mañana Collective.

Jose Zalba-Smith: Born in 1984, in Havana, Cuba, Jose studied flute and piano at the Alejandro G. Caturla and later at Amadeo Roldan Conservatory. His flute professors at this time were Erasmo Lopez and Floraimed Fernandez, both members of the National Symphony Orchestra, Ballet and Opera Orchestras. During this period of study, he received Second Prize in Amadeo Roldan's National Flute Competition (1997) and First Prize from the National Union of Artists and Writers of Cuba in their Woodwind Competition in 2001, performing with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jorge Lopez Marin.

After auditioning in London, England, Jose was offered places at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Trinity College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the latter offered a full scholarship for the Bachelor of Music Degree which Jose accepted and commenced in 2003. After completion of this degree in 2007, Jose was kindly supported by the Society of Knights of the Round Table and the Innholders' Company to continue his studies at the Guildhall School of Music, in the Masters Programme (Orchestral Training).

During his time at Guildhall, with Philippa Davies as his main professor, Jose enjoyed training under other eminent players such as Sharon Williams, Ian Clarke, Sarah Newbold and Sam Coles. As a soloist he accepted numerous invitations to perform in festivals such as Glasgow Cathedral Music Recital Series (2006), Seville Music Festival, Spain (2006), Belgrade Music Festival, Serbia (2007), Winchester Music Festival (2008), Frome Young Musicians Recital Series (2008), and Paxos International Chamber Music Festival, Greece (2008).

Jose was accepted as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Spain (2006-2007) and as an extra player for the National Welsh Opera.

Finally, on completing his Masters, Jose was chosen to be part of the 2008-2009 Foyle Future Firsts Training Scheme with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and also given a place with the Southbank Sinfonia with whom he has enjoyed many exciting opportunities to play an extremely varied programme in a variety of venues across the UK.

Jose has performed several times as Principal and Sub Principal with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and is currently teaching at Highams Park School.

Jose currently runs a successful Cuban music workshop series which he has taken to the Royal Birmingham Music Conservatoire, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Oxford Flute Summer School, Philippa Davies International Flute Summer School and The Scottish International Flute Summer School.