Dranoff 2 Piano Presents Jazz Squared Concert

MIAMI - March 26, 2014 - PRLog -- MIAMI (March 24, 2014) – Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation will present Saar Ahuvia and Stephanie Ho, playing Jazz Squared, a concert of 2-piano jazz on Saturday, April 19, 8:00 p.m. at the South Dade Cultural Center, 10950 SW 211th Street. The unique program will feature works by Gershwin, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans and Aaron Copland. Moreover, it will be the premiere of Martin Bejerano’s “Fantasía de Tres Mundos for 2 pianos” (Three Worlds Fantasia), a new two-piano work commissioned by the Dranoff in conjunction with Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Duo Stephanie and Saar has been praised by The New York Times for its “beautifully understated performances.” The Huffington Post acclaimed the duo’s interpretation of Bach, while observing they were “drop-dead gorgeous.” The duo has been celebrated for its two-piano rendering of Stravinsky’s Petrouchka in Miami, Washington and Portland. Saar Ahuvia, a native of Israel, and Stephanie Ho, of Taiwanese descent and brought up in Portland, are married and live in New York City.

In addition, the Miami-born Bejarano is a graduate of the New World School of Music, Florida State University and the University of Miami, where today he heads the jazz piano program at UM. He records and tours with the ensembles of drummer Roy Haynes and guitarist Russell Malone. In 2007, he released his chart-topping album Evolution/Revolution. His Dranoff commission pays homage to his roots in Afro-Cuban music, American jazz and the European classical tradition.

“The “Bacardi Choice” commission reflects the Bacardi commitment to creativity in music – in our being part of a celebration of life, our core philosophy about supporting the arts, and our passion for helping Miami culture flourish,” says Robert Furniss-Roe, Regional President of Bacardi North America.

Furniss-Roe added that Bacardi has a long-standing history as a patron and promoter of music. In the early 1920s, in Cuba, the Bacardi family’s legacy in music was cemented by Facundito Bacardi, grandson of founder Facundo Bacardí Massó. Facundito would share the Bacardi family’s passion for music, creating a festive music environment by throwing open the doors of the family home for parties and musical acts.

“It’s so important for the community that through collaboration we are able to coordinate events such as this,” said Gabriele Fiorentino, Dranoff president. “We invite everyone to join us for the unique experience of a new two-piano masterpiece”.

Jazz Squared prices are $30 general admission; $5 Students.  For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.dranoff2piano.org, call (305)572-9900, or purchase online through the South Miami-Dade Cultural Center, http://www.smdcac.org.