“If you hear the words symphonic orchestra, I’m pretty sure parrots, flashy shoes, and Blues or Salsa rhythms are not very likely to come to mind,” writes Erick Lappin on Sunday (3/1) at Voxxi.com (Miami). “For the last nine years, under the lead of conductor Eduardo Marturet, the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) has pushed the boundaries of symphonic music as part of an innovative programming philosophy that aims to attract bigger and more consistent audiences.… They changed their traditional concert ‘Night in Vienna’ into ‘Ocean Drive in Vienna.’ The concept is to play pieces that would represent Miami if they are to play in Vienna. The show program includes pieces like … ‘Pizzi Cuban Polka’ in which the famous ‘Pizzicato Polka’ gradually changes into a Cuban Salsa…. Concerts have been accompanied by digital projections…. Marturet has conducted with parrots on his shoulders.… The orchestra and its leader are known for wearing colorful unique shoes on stage, bending the traditionalism of dressing for performing symphonies.… MISO is definitely moving forward in all aspects—coming out of the tough period it suffered during the recession.” The article notes that the orchestra has a new headquarters and rehearsal space.
Posted March 4, 2015
Pictured: The Miami Symphony and Eduardo Marturet during the orchestra’s recent “Ocean Drive in Vienna” concert
