First Pops concert of the season explores music of Latin America

The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will open its Pops series on Saturday, Oct. 8, with a little Latin flair from upstate New York.

The Mambo Kings, a quintet that fuses Afro-Cuban rhythms with contemporary jazz, will be the guest artist for the concert at the Tivoli Theatre.

Together since 1995, the group has earned a national reputation for their explosive brand of music. They made their orchestral debut in 1997, playing original compositions and arrangements by pianist Richard DeLaney, the group’s musical director. In addition to their own works, the Mambo Kings also take on music by Dave Brubeck, Tito Puentes and even The Beatles in their performances.

“These performers are at the top of their field,” says Bob Bernhardt, principal pops conductor. “Not only do they have the credentials, they have the raw talent and have earned their reputation with some of the greats in the industry.”

DeLaney, a native of Peru, earned a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and is a faculty member of the Hochstein School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. He has written and performed music for film, television, the stage and the concert hall. He produced three recordings for the Mambo Kings on the band’s own label, Mambokingdom Music.

Percussionist Freddy Colon has performed with Aretha Franklin, Tito Puente, Soneros Del Barrio, Johnny Rivera, El Cano and Paquito. He teaches at the Eastman School of Music.

Saxophonist John Viavattine has toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, including a performance at President Reagan’s 1980 Inaugural Ball. Viavattine has also performed with Chuck and Gap Mangione, Jeff Tyzik, The Temptations, Ray Charles, Patti Page, Connie Francis, Vic Damone and Lou Rawls.

Bassist Hector Diaz has performed with Ismael Miranda, Hector Tricoche, Paquito Acosta and Johnny Rivera. While in the Army, he toured with an All Soldiers show at Army bases in South Korea.

Percussionist Tony Padilla performs on the congas with the group and conducts clinics and workshops in his downtime from the band. He has played with Paquito D’Rivera, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, Jerry Gonzalez and Lou Gramm.