Category: music

Moonlight and Passion

Hong Kong’s neon-lit concrete jungle stands bright against the night sky, a vibrant reminder of the city’s modernity and ability to continually evolve while retaining its unique identity. The Chinese lanterns that have become one of the symbols of the Mid-Autumn Festival float against the neon, their shapes and soft light a welcome traditional warmth in a cyber world.

Legends and and myths surrounding the origins of the Mid-Autumn/Lantern/Moon Cake Festival have, like our city home, evolved but the core traditions of families coming together, giving thanks for the harvest and past bounties, and praying/giving offerings for a good future remain strongly rooted. Into this convivial family festival João Marcos Mascarenhas and Sabrina Foote will be injecting some Latin passion and exuberance with their Festival de la Luna con Música Latina. bc chatted with them, trying to find what could possibly couple moon cakes with merengue.

When/how did your love of Latino music begin and how has it evolved over time?
Sabrina: Actually my love of Latino music began at very early stage when I was studying in London. I learned Spanish as a second language and used to spend most of my holidays in different cities in Spain. During that period, I joined and participated in all the Latin student unions and communities, hence spending a lot of time with different Spanish-speaking people from all the Latin countries. Then later I worked in the hospitality business in Spain.

I love the sound of Spanish with its very soft flowing speech and, together with the Latinos’ natural passions in life, the music and songs are so expressive and communicative, even for people who don’t speak the language.

After a long while away, recent time in different countries in Latin America has crafted me back into being almost a Latino again, especially in most of my music choices.

What prompted you to organise a concert marrying Latin passion with the family romance of the Mid-Autumn Festival?
Sabrina: In my experience with the Latin culture, celebrations and love feelings in daily life are demonstrated with warm gusto. Old customs of families gathering when there’s a full moon and celebrations of love through music and dance are very similar to the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival where families congregate, old and new romances are honoured, love ones come together, and children play among all the drinking, eating, music and dances.

I wanted to revive my secret passion for Latin music and at the same time promote Latin music in Hong Kong. Most importantly, I am very fortunate to have met a very devoted and talented Latin artist in João, my musical director, who is highly respected in the music industry and among the Latino communities.

Do you have any special musical plans for the Festival de la Luna con Música Latina?
João: Of course! The whole event by itself is already unique and special. But I have to say very proudly that my band is the most special feature. I am a hybrid of the academic, jazz, and commercial music worlds in composing/arranging/performing/producing/teaching/researching. All of that makes me very selective when it comes to choosing the right musicians to perform or record under my direction. For this band, I carefully chose the best Latino musicians, as I want the evening to be as authentic as possible. I got the crème de la crème of Latin musicians in Hong Kong! Simply, the best ones! My advice: Don’t miss Festival de la Luna con Música Latina!

For those who know nothing of música Latina, how would you describe the upcoming show?
An enjoyable evening to spend with your family and love ones with good food and romantic and energizing music with all the electrifying Latin rhythms of boleros, bachatas, merengue, salsa, samba, and much more.

For the singles; you never know – you might get lucky with all the Latin passion around!

Chris Polanco is your guest artist; what is it, do you think, that has allowed him to become one of the most sought-after drummers in Hong Kong?
João: My friendship with Chris started when I met him in 2001. At that time I was the music director at the Grand Hyatt; my Brazilian band worked there for 7 months, while Chris was working somewhere else. I believe we were the only Latino musicians in Hong Kong at that time, or maybe the first ones. We were somewhat pioneers! After that job I went back to Brazil to do some music production and then went to the USA to get my Masters in composition. Chris stayed in Hong Kong. Later, in 2007, I came back to start my PhD in music composition at HKU, which I finished last year. Chris had his own band, Azucar Latina, performing regularly in the Hong Kong area. Since I cannot get away from my Latino roots, every time I had a chance I would stop at Chris’s performances and jam. During this period I saw Chris becoming an excellent percussionist, keyboard player, and music producer. His charismatic personality and unquestionable musical talent put him in amongst the music stars of Hong Kong.

Joining Chris and João on the Grappas stage are El Salvador’s Oscar Azahar, a seasoned professional saxophonist; Colombia’s Fernando Nohra, a drummer who’s been performing across the globe for over 20 years; Mexican Victor Geronimo on the bass and providing backing vocals; Filipino John Ralph Campo, whose trumpet has been energizing crowds for years, and, last but not least, our very own Angelita Li whose vocals will add a touch of femininity to the Latino passions.

What: Festival de la Luna con Música Latina
When: 9pm, 19 September, 2013
Where: Grappa’s Cellar, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Road, Central
How Much: $288 (inc one drink) advance tickets from [email protected] / tel: 2521 2322