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MOSA’s opening concert of the 2023-24 season features the iconic Cuban pianist, arranger, and composer Manuel Valera, alongside long-time collaborators bassist Hamish Smith and drummer Mark Whitfield. Expect to be on your feet by night’s end! To open the event, Manuel teams up with Artistic Director harpist Kibbey in a world-premiere composition/improvisation for piano and harp, written specifically for the occasion. Come join us for an unforgettable opening night celebrating Cuba as a continual wellspring of American musical life, in the hands of this incredible talent…and stay for the after-party! We’ll enjoy Dutch Baby Cakes in the garden to launch the season and celebrate the opening of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“He leaves no doubt that he’s destined to play a role in the future of jazz. Valera shows a keen jazz vocabulary, a gift for creating grooves that invite stellar solo flights from his collaborators and the nerve to romance a melody when it suits him.” –Billboard

Manuel Valera, piano
Hamish Smith, bass
Mark Whitfield, drums
Bridget Kibbey, harp