Kaitlyn E. Clark 

Corina Bartra is presenting Afro-Peruvian Jazz music like you’ve never heard before! As the Artistic Director of the Afro Peruvian New Trends Orchestra, Corina is bringing an exciting and innovative night of her original music to midtown for one night only this month. 

The much-anticipated creative music project will be presented on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street. Doors will open at 8:30 pm, with the show starting at 9:00 pm. To purchase tickets, click here! 

A Natural Born Creative

The Afro Peruvian New Trends Orchestra is starting to waiting on bated breath for their opportunity to share an instrumental project that blends traditional Afro-Peruvian rhythms with contemporary jazz elements. Bartra is conidered a pioneer of Afro-Peruvian Jazz and new Latin trends and has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. When asked what inspired this project, she explained “I wanted to contribute new possibilities and new styles to what is known as Latin or world jazz… These grooves are so rich, energetic, and exciting that they can only enrich music culture around the world.”

Bartra described her music as “happy and celebratory,” a tone that captures the essence of Afrop-Peruvian Jazz and other world music. This compostion, and many of her others, are ensemble oriented with “strong themes, many arranged choruses, and concise solos that are consistently heated.”

A part of Corin Bartra’s personal style description that stood out to us was a term she used offhandedly: “musical adventerousness.” This interpretation serves a promise of what is to come in a little less than two weeks! 

Facing Challenges

Creating such an innovative project comes with its challenges! As a multi-project artist, Bartra finds it difficult to be easily defined. “I am a complex artist since I am a multi-project artist and not easy to figure out or pigeonhole. This is my way of finding freedom,” she reflects. In addition to Corin’s singularity, she faces challenges working with large ensembles on intricate compositions. While it can take much effort to create a cohesive sound in these circumstances, Bartra’s dedication to opening new musical possibilities and expanding listeners’ minds keeps her motivated.

Corin also tells us that there were times she faces challenges securing the funding that would facilitate this project. The upcoming performance at The Cutting Room is a testament to the relentless pursuit of musical innovation. The Afro-Peruvian New Trends Orchestra will showcase Bartra’s original compositions, such as the majestic Afro-Peruvian festejo modulating to a swing groove in “Osiris,” the Amazon-inspired “Ecstasy Green,” and the moving Landó Ballas “Purple Heart.” 

You Won’t Want to Miss This… 

Bartra’s work has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. Scot Yanow of the L.A. Jazz Scene says, “The musicians are top-notch, and the soloists are uniformly excellent and passionate. The bands have great spirit, rhythms that move, and writing of high quality.” 

Robert D. Rusch of Cadence Magazine adds, “Some very fine writing whose charts should be used by other bands. I suspect Bartra is the pianist, it is uncredited but there is a fluency with the music that suggests it.” 

Mark Fogarty speak to the originality of her compositions, saying, “These originals are the reverberations of the music Corina Bartra has heard, loved, and created during her many years as a musician. It is a rich legacy that she and her orchestra collaborate on these beautifully produced pieces.”

Looking to the future, Corin tells us she is planning a new album with her ensemble and hopes to release by next year! This recording would include vocals and several new compositions she is working on. She tells us that for this project, she is exploring even newer ideas and arranging cover times. Her passion pours out of her as she tells us she even hopes her music will lead to a tour in Europe! 

Don’t miss the chance to experience Corina Bartra’s groundbreaking Afro-Peruvian New Trends Orchestra for one night only at The Cutting Room. 

This is an event that is set to be a captivating night of ingenuity, showcasing the best of Afro-Peruvian jazz and the visionary artistry of Corina Bartra. Tickets are available now—click here to purchase!

Show Information

• Date: Friday, August 16th, 2024
• Location: The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street
• Doors Open: 8:30 pm
• Show Time: 9:00 pm