Salon 1898: Cuban Dance Music at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

The American Symphony Orchestra is a New York-based American orchestra, founded in 1962, dedicated to providing great music for everyone. The ASO chamber series features musician-curated programs that represent the diverse perspectives across New York City and worldwide, through explorations of the many styles and genres of American music. 

Experience works by great composers on the Upper Terrace.

Salon 1898: Cuban Dance Music at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

Following a 2023 commission for the ASO’s Chamber Series, percussionist-composer Javier Diaz curates “Contrapunto Musical”: Musical Counterpoint between Cuba and the United States, a selection of chamber music programs that highlight the rich musical history of Cuba and its influence on American concert music and culture, from the turn of the twentieth century through today. In the first program of this new four-part series, Diaz — whose studio credits include Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights — showcases a range of musical styles. The program, “Salon 1898”: Cuban Dance Music at the Turn of the Twentieth Century, will feature danzas, contradanzas, danzones, rumbas, ragtime, and early jazz. Presented on May 19 and 20 at Bryant Park, these two performances will mark the world premiere of Diaz’s unique arrangements for violin, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet, tuba, and percussion.