Highly acclaimed in Japan and Europe, the Gaia Cuatro Quartet explores a new frontier of jazz and contemporary rhythms blending the fiery and intense character of Argentinian music with the refinement of Japanese musical tradition.

The ensemble combines two major symbols of Japanese jazz with two inventive Argentine musicians from the European music scene. The mind-blowing virtuosity of violinist Aska Kaneko, a star in her native Japan, is well served by Argentinian pianist Gerardo Di Giusto’s sophisticated and colorful compositions. Creating the rhythms for this ensemble is the surprising conversation between Argentinian bass player Carlos Buschini and vigorous Japanese percussionist Yahiro Tomohiro.

“Watching this group live and hearing the beauty of the music leaves audiences breathless,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions, an arts and education organization that provides global healing through music, dance and drama in the St. Louis community. “Gaia Cuatro’s compositions express maturity and spontaneity, poetry and vigor, all at the same time. It is not surprising that they are in demand at some of the most important festivals in Europe and Japan. It is exciting that their visit to the Gateway City will begin their journey into the US market during St. Louis’ 250 Year celebration. ”

Aska Kaneko performed in St. Louis in 2003 at the Sheldon Concert Hall alongside local jazz favorite Denise Thimes and the Vivian Watt Dance Ensemble as part of Gitana Productions’ “Faces of Love: East Meets West” event .

Kaneko and Tomohiro met the Argentinian musicians by chance in Paris that same year. Each was fascinated by the opposite characteristics of the other, and they decided to "contaminate" each other, the first from a place of elegance, the latter from "brio.”

“Gaia Cuatro takes the art of improvisation to an entirely new level, away from any predictable formulas,” said Nadal. “Yet as they shape this new style of music, its natural elegance may sound surprisingly familiar.”

Tickets are $25, $20 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.gitana-inc.org, at the box office or by calling Gitana at (314) 721-6556. Group discounts up to 15% are available.

The Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council have provided funding to support Gitana Productions events.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

Media Contact
Mary Schanuel
[email protected]
314-266-7035