La Vida Loca – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
Enrico Lopez-Yañez Courtesy of Tom Rosso. Used with permission.
When Enrico Lopez-Yañez vigorously bounded onto the stage at the Hilbert Circle Theatre Saturday in his role as newly appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops Series, his debut marked the beginning of a new epoch not only for symphony fans but for Central Indiana’s burgeoning Latino community.
Leading the ISO in the world premiere of a “La Vida Loca; Latin Pops Hits of the 1900s And 2000s,” a concert which featured the arrangements of the Mexican born Lopez-Yañez. The telegenic maestro, who holds dual citizenship with his country of origin and the U.S., illustrated that he offers a whole new energy and vitality to Indiana’s headmost performing arts organization.
Jose Sibaja – Courtesy of Tom Rosso. Used with permission.
Joining Lopez-Yañez also the Principal Pops Conductor of the Detroit, Nashville, and Pacific Symphonies and the Principal Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Presents, were four of Latin music’s biggest stars. They included powerhouse vocalists Ender Thomas and Jackie Mendez, José Sibaja on trumpet (he also contributed arrangements), and Luisito Quintero on percussion, all of whom joined the ISO for a high-voltage program.
Jackie Mendez – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
Genial Lopez-Yañez projected charisma as he led the ISO in a program that was filled with notable highlights. With audience members dancing in place, and even a few in the aisles of the staid Hilbert, the orchestra, which is filled with youthful players, performed with gusto as they opened Act 1 with Gloria Estefan’s “Get on Your Feet,” featuring Cuban Lebanese Mendez, who also sang “Let’s Get Loud,” by Jennifer Lopez. Venezuelan Ender, followed with Enrique Iglesias’s “Bailamos.” Later, virtuoso trumpeter Sibaja, a Costa Rican native, performed a soulful, impassioned solo of “El Dia De Me Quieras,” an Argentine tango classic. He also accompanied Mendez and Ender in a medley of songs made famous by Cuban legend Celia Cruz. Closing the first half of the concert was the ISO and guest artists in a rollicking version of “Mas Macarena,” during which most in the crowd rose to their feet and followed along with the hosts to the ubiquitous choreography of the catchy song.
Luisito Quintero – Courtesy of Tom Rosso. Used with permission.
Shakira’s “Wherever, Wherever<” featuring Mendez, opened Act 2. It was followed by “Symphony Santana,” tribute to Mexican American guitarist Carlos Santas, featuring Sibaja and conga player extraordinaire Luisito Quintero along with the ISO. In a concert heavily attended by Spanish speakers, another audience favorite of the evening was the 1958 classic rock song “Tequila,” by the Champs. Also spotlighted was “Despacito,” made famous by Justin Bieber and a medley of songs by Puerto Rican superstar, Ricky Martin who many believe was responsible for the crossover explosion of Latin American music in the U.S. during the 90s.
A regular tradition of Pink Martini at the end of its concerts, including one I saw at the Hilbert during a past Pops concert, was a conga line of mostly young people that snaked through the hall to the beat of Estefan’s “Conga,” It was a joyful, celebratory conclusion to an evening of Latino music and the artists whose art has made substantial contributions to American popular culture.
For tickets and information about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra visit indianapolissymphony.org
