Led by Grammy-Award winning conductor and arranger Victor Vanacore, the concert features the music of Latin dance such as the mambo, rumba, salsa, samba, merengue and tango.

“The audience will be spellbound by the music!” says Vanacore. “This show empowers the orchestra to play with an infectious bravado. Concertgoers will experience the Grand Rapids Symphony in a new way.”

A delight for the ears as well as the eyes, some of the tunes feature a pair of professional dancers moving to the music on stage. Husband and wife dancers, Andrej and Jennifer Przbyl, will captivate the audience.

 “There’s something about Latin dancing that is very sensuous,” Vanacore says. “It’s like watching a live movie or a ballet.”

Vanacore, who is gifted musician and entertainer, will share the rich history and origins of this international music and perform on the piano. He has spent much of his 25 years in the music business playing piano in Afro Cuban and salsa ensembles. These performances combine his expertise in arranging and conducting and provide audience members with a romantic and exhilarating experience. The program opens with the orchestra performing an Aaron Copland-inspired tune followed by the Latin favorite “Hot, Hot, Hot.” Other pieces include: “Oya Como Va,” “Jarabe Tapatio” also known as “Mexican Hat Dance Suite” which is a mambo version of “West Side Story tunes,” a rumba version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and many others. 

Vanacore will perform as a soloist on the piano for several works including “Samba in Blue,” featuring a nod to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” “This is a beautiful piece that listeners will enjoy and find very familiar,” Vanacore says.

Victor Vanacore has been at the center of popular music for decades. In 1974, he moved to Los Angeles where he joined the Jackson Five as a keyboardist and music arranger. A year later, he became the Jacksons’ permanent conductor and arranger. He also served as conductor and arranger for The Fifth Dimension and music director for Johnny Mathis and Barry Manilow. Vanacore also had a close relationship with music legend Ray Charles, serving as his music director, arranger and opening act. Ray Charles’ only platinum CD, “Genius Loves Company” features Vanacore’s Grammy Award-winning orchestral arrangements.

A native of Poland, Andrej Przbyl began dancing with his twin sister representing Poland at dance competitions in Russia, Germany, England, Italy and Holland. After moving to the U.S. Andrej began dancing with Jennifer who subsequently became his wife. Together they have won numerous dance competitions throughout the U.S. The couple presently makes their home in the Detroit area.

Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased by phone through Ticketmaster at 616/456-3333, online at ticketmaster.com, in person at the Symphony office or any Ticketmaster outlet. For more information online visit grsymphony.org.    

WHO:            The Grand Rapids Symphony led by guest conductor Victor Vanacore.

WHAT:            Grand Rapids Symphony Fox Motors Pops Series concerts titled “Hot! Hot! Hot! A Night at the Copa.” These concerts feature the orchestra’s performance of Latin Dance tunes. A pair of dancers will perform for many of the works. Grammy Award winning arranger and conductor Victor Vanacore will lead the orchestra, play the piano and talk about the origins of salsa, tango, samba, mambo and other Latin rhythm tunes.

WHEN:          Jan. 16 at 8 p.m., Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. (matinee).