Nov. 21, 2007 ~ Havana ~ Cuba
KoSA Cuba 07

REVIEW: KoSA Cuba 2007 in Matanzas - a cultural paradise!

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For its sixth edition, the KoSA Cuba Workshops decided to spice things up in a different way by offering participants the unique opportunity to discover the Cuban rhythms and culture of the province of Matanzas, Cuba. "KoSA Cuba 2007: The Matanzas Project" was a cultural exploration of Cuban roots - Matanzas' style. Like many countries, Cuba's provinces have their distinctive traits which flavor their way of life. This can certainly be seen and felt in their art and especially their music. The province of Matanzas is truly a cultural paradise and this is exactly what participants coming from North America and Europe quickly realized.

The unforgettable week-long event included both masterclasses and intimate hands-on classes with Cuban greats . Nightly concerts were simply mind boggling - the level of talent indescribable as was the humbleness of the musicians. This year's distinguished faculty included: Giraldo Piloto (Klimax) on drumset, Miguelon Rodriguez (Mestizaje) on drumset, conga and timbales, El Peje (Chucho Valdez) on drumset, and a new powerhouse drummer in Cuba - Rodney Barreto. Conga artists Julio Lopez Sanchez (Klimax), Forbès (Mestizaje), Jesús and Freddy from (Los Moniquitos de Matanzas) left a lasting impression on the participants. Timbale specialist Amadito Valdez (of the famed ensemble The Buena Vista Social Club ) gave a most interesting historical lecture on the evolution of drums and rhythms in Cuba. KoSA Cuba participants also had the chance to go to Havana to continue classes there and then they were back to the province of Matanzas in Varadero, Cuba where they enjoyed staying at a 4-star hotel while treated to Giraldo Piloto's dazzling ensemble "Klimax". Finally, a highlight of the event included a specially arranged two-day residency at the studio of the famed group - Los Moniquitos de Matanzas - an experience that soon will not be forgotten.

The KoSA Cuba International Percussion Workshops is directed by Aldo Mazza and coordinated by Dr. Jolán Kovács-Mazza. Plans are already under way for next years festival held at the end of October 2008. The event will be open to the international community and will be held in collaboration with the Havana Drum Festival. We hope you will consider joining us for this remarkable and life-changing experience. For more information about the Havana International Drum Festival and to find out how to register for the KoSA Cuba Workshops held in Havana, Cuba (October 2008), for more info and to register for future KoSA events, CD and DVD purchases, please make our website at www.kosamusic.com a frequent stop on your internet travels. Master Percussionist/Musician/Band Leader Giraldo Piloto, live in Montréal, November 2007

PHOTOS:

Master Percussionist/Musician/Band Leader Giraldo Piloto, live in Montréal, November 2007

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR OUR FRIENDS IN EUROPE!

Gebeten door Drums & Percussie? In samenwerking met KoSA, een Canadese drum- en percussieschool die jaarlijks workshops op touw zet in de Verenigde Staten en Cuba, organiseert Divantoura de deelname voor Belgische & andere Europese geïnteresseerden aan deze unieke 'life changing experience'. Onder leiding van verschillende topdrummers en percussionisten leer je technieken uit de diverse muziekculturen van Afrika, Azië, de Caribbean, Latijns-Amerika en Europa. Van pop tot rock, van etnisch tot klassiek, van handbespeelde instrumenten tot marimba, van drums tot de nieuwste fusies van technologie en traditie. Zowel voor beginners als gevorderden & bassisten. Interesse? Surf naar www.divantoura.be/themareizen of bel Dirk Vandewiele +32 9 223 00 69 in België.

Bitten by Drums & Percussion?
In collaboration with KoSA, a Canadian school for drums and percussion, who yearly organises workshops in the USA and in Cuba, Divantoura coordinates the participation for Belgians & other Europeans interested in this unique 'life changing experience'. Supervised by different topdrummers and percussionists you will learn techniques from diverse music cultures from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. From pop to rock, form etnic to classic; from instruments played by hand to marimba, from drums to the newest fusions of technology and tradition. Both for beginners and advanced & bass players. Interested? Surf to www.divantoura.be/themareizen or call Dirk Vandewiele +32 9 223 00 69 in Belgium.