Angélica Negrón & BAE

Angélica Negrón
Puerto Rican-born composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón writes music for accordions, robotic instruments, toys and electronics as well as chamber ensembles and orchestras. Her music has been described as “wistfully idiosyncratic and contemplative” (WQXR/Q2) and “mesmerizing and affecting” (Feast of Music) while The New York Times noted her “capacity to surprise” and her “quirky approach to scoring.” Negrón has been commissioned by the Albany Symphony, Bang on a Can All-Stars, A Far Cry, MATA Festival, loadbang, The Playground Ensemble and the American Composers Orchestra, among others. She’s a teaching artist for New York Philharmonic’s Very Young Composers Program and Lincoln Center Education working with learners of all ages on creative composition projects.

Bronx Arts Ensemble
Bronx Arts Ensemble (BAE) brings music and related arts to Bronx schools and neighborhoods. They contribute to the cultures of Bronx communities through live performances and innovative arts education that stimulate creativity, imagination, and aspirations. Founded by the late William J. Scribner in 1972, BAE has embraced dozens of Bronx neighborhoods, performing a broad spectrum of styles for diverse instruments. In 1993 BAE launched their Arts-in-Education programs, helping to fill an educational void in Bronx public schools. These programs have expanded beyond the music into movement, theater and art, delivered during and after school in over 40 public schools. BAE continues to develop and integrate their core programs, impacting new audiences and building Bronx family.

Jorge Ávila has won attention as an outstanding violinist through numerous appearances as a soloist, recitalist, concertmaster, and chamber musician. Born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Jorge began his violin studies at age 14. He performs as a chamber musician with the Bronx Arts Ensemble, Simon String Quartet, Abaca String Band, Willow Ensemble, Prism Ensemble and Musicians’ Accord.

Cellist Eliana Mendoza has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Winner of the Artists International Competition, she debuted at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. In Boston she performed a solo recital broadcast live on WGBH, National Public Radio. She is a member of the American Symphony, Westchester Philharmonic, American Composers Orchestra, and the Bronx Arts Ensemble.

Violinist Evelyn Petcher brings a passion for innovation and community to both her performing and teaching. She is a founding member of the duo Colibri and the ensemble Leadlights. With a decade of experience teaching students aged four to adult, Petcher recently became a teaching artist with the Bronx Arts Ensemble and is the co-founder of East Lake Expression Engine, an El Sistema-inspired program in Chattanooga, TN.

Violist Sally Shumway has played on many recordings ranging from Strauss operas to video games, movie soundtracks to Broadway shows. She has performed with the Colorado Philharmonic, the Illinois Chamber Orchestra, the Vermont Symphony, and the chamber music group Infusion. Shumway currently performs with the American Symphony Orchestra and the Bronx Arts Ensemble.

This program is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Southwest Airlines is the official airline of Pregones/PRTT. For a full list of our funders, visit www.pregonesprtt.org.

PREGONES THEATER
575 Walton Avenue (b/w 149 & 150 Streets)
The Bronx, NY 10451

Subway #2, 4, 5 to 149 Street & Grand Concourse
We’re just one short block away from the station!

For more information call us at 718-585-1202.