CUBA'S TIEMPO LIBRE BRINGS THE HEAT!! 

Tiempo Libre brings the heat of Cuba to the NAC Orchestra for CTV Pops concerts from January 17 to 19, at 8pm

True modern heirs to the rich tradition of the music of its native Cuba, the two-time Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre is one the hottest young Latin bands today. Equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs and dance venues, the band has become known for its incendiary, joyful performances of timba – a lively mix of irresistibly visceral Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son.

The first half of the NAC concert features one of the most exciting projects of Tiempo Libre’s career, a major new commission – Rumba Sinfónica – composed for symphony orchestra and Cuban band by the highly-respected Venezuelan classical composer Ricardo Lorenz in collaboration with Tiempo Libre’s musical director and pianist Jorge Gomez. The work was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony, the Festival of the Arts Boca and the Ravinia Festival and premiered to acclaim in November 2007. Jean-Marie Zeitouni will conduct the National Arts Centre Orchestra for the occasion.

The second half of the concert features the musicians of Tiempo Libre performing an electrifying set of timba music without an orchestra, which is sure to have concert-goers on their feet and dancing.

Schooled in different Havana conservatories and all enjoying thriving careers in Latin music performing, touring and recording with top Cuban artists, the seven extraordinary musicians of Tiempo Libre came together in their free time between projects to realize their collective musical dream: to create the first authentic all-Cuban timba band in the United States. Hence the name Tiempo Libre which means “Free Time”. Tiempo Libre has released three CDs: Timbiando, the Grammy-nominated Arroz Con Mango and the Grammy-nominated Lo Que Esperabas.
Their busy touring schedule has included appearances at Lincoln Center, Miami’s JVC Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and at other leading performing arts centres, as well as sold-out concerts in China, Turkey, Italy and Southeast Asia.

Tickets for Tiempo Libre and the NAC Orchestra January 17 to 19 at 20:00 are on sale now at $29.00, $34.00, $39.00, $49.00, $59.00, $69.00 with box seats at $86.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111. Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC’s website at www.nac-cna.ca.

Subscriptions for the season are also still available by calling the Subscription Office at 613-947-7000, ext. 620.

Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card.

Same-day Live Rush tickets (subject to availability) for full-time students (aged 13 to 29) are $10 at the NAC Box Office between 14:00 and 18:00 on the day of performance only, upon presentation of a valid Live Rush card.

Groups of 10 and more save 15% to 20% off the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances. To reserve your seats call 613-947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca.