Portugal: Sonic Paths and Possibilities
Arte Institute, with the sponsorship of CGD – Caixa Geral de Depósitos and FLAD Luso-American Development Foundation, is pleased to present “Portugal: Sonic Paths and Possibilities” the opening concert of the Portugal in SoHo event, by Renato Diz and Maria Quintanilla.
Joe’s Pub – The Public Theater
May 29 | 7.00 PM
Portugal: Sonic Paths and Possibilities
A compelling musical and historical journey that begins in the deepest origins of Portugal – the country, the language – with its multiple foreign influences, its incredible diaspora and inevitable ramifications throughout Africa and South America…
Renato Diz – piano, spoken word, extended techniques and percussion.
Renato Diz is a multi-award winning pianist, composer and producer based in New York. Born in Porto, Portugal, Renato holds a Classical Piano Degree from Porto National Conservatory, a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Piano and Jazz Performance from ESMAE-IPP, and a Double Master Degree in Piano and Jazz Performance from New York University (graduated Summa Cum Laude and received a Scholarship for Outstanding Performance). As a pianist he has performed in several stages and festivals in Europe, North and South America with some of the leading artists of the Jazz, World Music and Contemporary scene such as Ari Hoenig, Ralph Alessi, Zulfugar Baghirov, Freddy Lobatón, Tareq Rantisi, Louis de Mieulle, among others. Since 2011 Mr. Diz has participated in more than 20 recordings (Guitar Sapiens, Moth To A Flame, On The Crosswalk, Under The Sun, New Ground, just to mention a few), and has released 5 recordings as a co-leader/pianist/composer/producer: Breathing Taiwan, EARPRINTS, Distance Chemistry, Poetics Of Sight and QaraBag. Renato Diz has also collaborated with renown visual artists such as Beatriz Albuquerque, Joana Ricou, P.ma, Ricardo Lafuente, Pedro Marnoto, Labrador and Sigrún Hreins.
Maria Quintanilla – voice, extended techniques, percussion and flutes.
Maria Quintanilla is a multi-award winning vocalist, composer and producer based in New York. Born in Lima, Peru, she relocated to Los Angeles at a young age where she had the opportunity of studying jazz at the prestigious Cal State University of Long Beach as an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar, and won three DownBeat Awards as a Pacific Standard Time lead vocalist. Since moving to New York, she has recorded with world renown artists such as Marvin Sewell, Jeff Haynes, Mark Peterson, Steve Gluzband, Raphael Cruz, amongst others. In 2016, Maria released her first album as co-leader with pianist Renato Diz entitled “Distance Chemistry”, under W&J Productions. In April 2017, she released her second album as a co-leader with Renato Diz and percussionist Sayun Chang entitled “Breathing Taiwan” also under W&J Productions. Ms. Quintanilla just graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master Degree from State University of New York, and represented Ella Fitzgerald at several performances with SUNY Purchase Big Band under the baton of Grammy-Award winning Todd Coolman and Jon Faddis at the legendaries Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and Blue Note.
“Portugal in SoHo” is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. LMCC.net