Novel Voz

Cuban Encounters of the Extraordinary Kind

Amazing Cuban "vocal orchestra", Novel Voz, will be in BC for a cultural exchange tour from May 23 to July 6, 2007. This outstanding, internationally travelled, seven-member, a capella group is available for workshops and concerts as follows:

- Okanagan, May 28 to 31

- Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island,
Gulf Islands, and Sunshine Coast and Powell River, June 1 to 28

Widely respected artists in BC's choral music scene who have seen and heard Novel Voz perform in Cuba give them rave reviews:

"In Havana three weeks ago, Novel Voz blew us away! You must treat yourself to their tapestry of layered percussion, and rich vocal colour from bottom to top."
- Jim Sparks, Langley Fine Arts School

"This group is a true vocal representation of Cuba. Their vocal tones reflect the pure blue water, their rhythmic texture symbolizes the vibrant colours of the vegetation, and their warm harmonies are like Cuban hospitality. A delight to listen to!"
- Donna Otto, Coastal Sound Music

"Novel Voz was one of the undisputed highlights of our tour of Cuba: their virtuosity, originality, musicality, energy, and stage presence wowed us, inspired us, and set a new standard for choral music. Don't miss them!"
- Brian Tate, Universal Gospel Choir

Novel Voz' stay in Canada will be book-ended by engagements at Music Under the "K" in Keremeos, May 24 to 27; Powell River, June 10 & 11; and Coastal Sound International Choral Festival (CSICF), June 29 to July 4. In between, they are offering workshops for elementary, secondary, and adult singers, as well as sizzling concert engagements.

Available dates are filling up quickly. Coastal Sound Music Academy (CSMA) is booking now for events in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, and Powell River.

Co-sponsors CSICF and Canada Cuba Sports and Cultural Festivals are requesting a $350 honorarium per workshop, and $1500 to 1800 per 90-minute concert to help cover travel and living expenses. (By Cuban law, they are not allowed to earn income while in Canada.)

Book your workshop or concert today through Dan Mattinson at CSMA, 604.469.5973 or info@coastalsoundmusic.com.

Group and Individual Bios

Novel Voz: Book Them Today!

A New Voice from Cuba

Novel Voz is Spanish for "new voice ", and that's exactly what this Cuban sensation brings to the a capella world. Performing sizzling salsa, traditional Cuban songs, and international repertoire, the seven voices of Novel Voz accompany their own voices with their imitations of piano, strings, wind, and percussion so successfully that critics have described them as a "vocal orchestra". Their performances combine innovative arrangements with fresh choreography, creating a vibrant exchange with audiences in public squares and concert halls, at night clubs and international festivals.

Formed in 1999, and made up of six singers and a vocal percussionist, the men and women of Novel Voz have performed extensively in Cuba as well as touring to Brazil and Venezuela, the European Union, Russia, and now Canada. They have sung with Mellow Mark (Germany), Gerardo Alfonso (Cuban troubadour), Yasuji Ojagi (Japanese guitarist), Milcho Leviev (jazz pianist), Pancho Amat (Cuban tres guitarist), Oleg Tumanov (Russian composer), Wanda Sá (Brazil), and João Donato (Brazilian composer), among others. They have recorded two CDs and won the 2005 award for best vocal ensemble at their country's prestigious "Cubadisco" competition.

The Voices of Novel Voz

Novel Voz comprises four men and three women ranging from 23 to 50 years. Their educations are as varied as teacher and musician, lawyer and engineer. In addition to vocal skills, various members compose, arrange, and choreograph the group's repertoire.

Isabel Zamora Alfonso, 39, has a degree in law. She studied music and dance in high school and sang with her university choir. She is a founding member of Novel Voz.

Eduardo Julián Jiménez Bravo, 36, was also a founding member. With a degree in choral direction, he is a professional vocalist and a professor of choral studies.

Susan Orta Lopéz, 37, joined Novel Voz in 2000. A mezzo soprano, she holds a degree in music education and is the group's choreographer.

Roberto Carlos Cruz Rodríguez, 31, added his voice in 2002. With a degree in music, he is a professional musician. He is the group's tenor and composer/arranger.

Fernando Alexander Yero Ramos, 30, also joined in 2002. He, too, has a degree in music and is a professional musician. He sings baritone and is a vocal percussionist.

Jorge Luis Molina Perez, 50, has a degree in engineering. An amateur musician since childhood, he is now a professional. He added his bass voice to the group in 2006.

Maribel Nodarse Valdés, 23, holds a degree in choral direction. She joined Novel Voz recently as first soprano, and is also a piano accompaniment at a music school.

Book Novel Voz Today! Call Dan at Coastal Sound Music Academy, 604.469.5973, email dan@coastalsoundmusic.com, or visit www.coastalsoundfestival.com or www.coastalsoundmusic.com