BY THE VILLAGE SUN | The Washington Square Music Festival is going in a new direction, including both a new music director and new musical genres.
Ahmed Alom has been appointed music director by the fest’s board of directors and will lead the annual event into new sonic and cultural spaces, featuring Latin and Afro-Cuban music, in addition to classical and jazz.
“We are happy to announce Alom’s appointment to lead the festival in a new direction, featuring contemporary Latin music, classical works and showcasing young talent,” Peggy Friedman, the festival’s executive director, announced.
In June, the venerable festival will celebrate its 66th season of free alfresco concerts on Tuesdays in Washington Square, with inclusive programming to reach a diverse audience. The concerts happen at 8 p.m.
This year’s lineup includes:
June 4 Los Hacheros (Brooklyn Latin music quintet combining classic styles like montuno, guaracha and salsa with Puerto Rican bomba)
June 11 Women in Classical Music Festival Ensemble; Ahmed Alom, conductor
June 18 Baroque to Latin, Festival Ensemble; Ahmed Alom, conductor; Rubén Rengel, violin soloist
June 25 New York Jazz Harmonic: A Tribute to Count Basie
Alom, a pianist, conductor and arranger/composer, at just 25, has already been described as “one of the most versatile artists in the Western Hemisphere.” (Diario de Mallorca). He brings a classical music background, along with popular music roots from his home country Cuba, which, according to the festival, “allows him to constantly challenge and create new connections between the music of today.”
Alom will be the youngest music director and conductor of the Washington Square Music Festival since its founding in 1953. According to the festival, “he has proven to be an ambassador of inclusive and creative programming, conducting and premiering, especially Latin American music.”
Peggy, sounds terrific. Looking forward to June. Want to be anan in program.
Maybe you should spend a month in the Big Apple!