American Institute in Taiwan

The American Institute in Taiwan is pleased to sponsor free public performances by the internationally renowned American jazz ensemble Duende Quartet in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung from March 26-29, 2009. 

The Duende Quartet's performance schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, March 26, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Master Class & Mini-Concert at International Meeting Hall, Shih Chien University, Taipei Advance registration required.  Please contact Ms. Su at: Tel: 02-2723-3959  ext. 227 or email:info@mail.ait.org.tw
  
• Friday, March 27, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Public Performance at Sun Yat-Sen Hall, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung  Free tickets available beginning March 18 at:  National Sun Yat-Sen University Art Center; Tel: 07-525-2000 ext. 2716 (Mr.  Hu)
  
• Saturday. March 28, 7:30-9:00 p.m.,  Public Performance at Chung Shang Hall, Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau, Taichung  Free tickets available beginning March 18 at Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau, Information Desk Tel: 04-2372-7311 ext. 228 & 359
  
• Sunday, March 29, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Public Performance at Taipei Artist Village, Taipei No tickets are required for admission. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

The Duende Quartet performs Latin Jazz in the style of Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader and Willie Bobo, with a nod to the Blue Note sound of the 1960's.  The group includes four American musicians: Harry Appelman (piano), Mark Merella (percussion), Josh Schwartzman (bass), and Sam Turner (percussion).  In this unique small group setting, the Duende Quartet captures the vibe of a jazz combo while using the rhythms of a Latin conjunto.  Duende has a vast repertoire, ranging from traditional Latin songs to modern jazz compositions.

The Duende Quartet's performances in Taiwan are part of a program entitled The Rhythm Road - American Music Abroad, which is co-produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the American Institute in Taiwan.  In addition to Taiwan, Duende will also perform in India, Bangladesh and the Philippines. 

For more information, and to listen to samples of the Duende Quartet's music, please visit AIT's website: http://www.ait.org.tw/events/Duende2009/

Note to Reporters: 

Duende Quartet will be available for media interviews at Taipei's Shih-Chien University on Thursday, March 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Please contact AIT's Public Affairs Section at 02-2162-2037 or send an e-mail to media@mail.ait.org.tw for reservations.