Michael Spiro’s 10 piece ensemble “Spirology y Su Batanzón”, co-led by Tregar Otton, explores the deep connections between traditional Afro-Cuban folkloric music and Cuban popular dance music. In this performance, “Spirology” brings together the sacred rhythms of the Lukumí batá drums with danzón, the oldest form of Cuban charanga. This unique blend of traditions creates a one-of-a-kind musical experience, inviting both dancers and listeners to immerse themselves in a fresh take on Cuban musical heritage. The concert features some of the Bay Area’s finest charanga musicians and is guaranteed to delight both your ears and your feet!
Featured Musicians:
Pablo Caro (coro, violin)
John Calloway (piano)
Osvaldo Carvajal (coro, percussion)
Miguel Martinez (flute)
Tregar Otton (violin)
Sandy Poindexter (violin)
Steve Senft-Herrera (bass)
Remi Spiro (percussion)
Michael Spiro (vocals, percussion)
Ed Valencia (batá)
Thursday, August 7 at 7pm
CMC Concert Hall
FREE (RSVP here)
About the Shenson Faculty Concert Series
The Shenson Faculty Concert Series returns this summer with free concerts spotlighting CMC’s talented faculty members. Each year, the Shenson Foundation sponsors free community concerts for musical projects to support CMC faculty as performing artists and ensure their work on stage is shared and celebrated in our community.
This year’s presenters will highlight a wide variety of musical styles, techniques, and creative inspirations, including original compositions, new arrangements of beloved classics, and traditions from around the globe—using music as a tool for cultural reflection, personal connection, and artistic experimentation.
Meet this summer’s talented faculty performers:
- July 10 – Larry Dunn, guitar
- July 24 – Ben Snellings, cello
- August 7 – Tregar Otton, violin
- August 14 – Juan Carlos Entrembasaguas, saxophone
About the Performers:
Tregar Otton began his classical training at age four. At sixteen, he was the youngest Berkeley Symphony member and played under Maestro Kent Nagano. Tregar has been continually performing professionally since he was 16. He is musical director of Orquesta la Moderna Tradicion, a Cuban Orquesta dedicated to performing traditional and modern Cuban music including Danzon, Cha Cha Cha and other genres. He is also musical director of The Shams Eire, an Irish trad/rock group. Tregar also has performed for decades with Potaje (Flamenco/Latin ensemble), and Los Cenzontles (Mexican trad and modern music). He worked in New York with Chocolate Armenteros, Patato Valdes, Juan Carlos Formel, and Orquesta Broadway.