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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T210000
DTSTAMP:20260523T111230
CREATED:20251029T190942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T191941Z
UID:10000692-1773430200-1773435600@nempacboston.org
SUMMARY:Hey It's O.K (Opera & Kundiman) - SOLD OUT!
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nTHIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! \nPart of NEMPAC’s collaborative Artist Series\, Lauren Florek\, Carlo Bunyi\, and Marcelline Merrill will present Hey It’s O.K (Opera & Kundiman)\, a concert featuring traditional Filipino art song with western classical music. This concert will amplify the voices of the Phillipines\, bringing awareness\, understanding\, and the celebration of different cultures. \nJoin Duo Filipino for an evening where music transcends borders\, blending the richness of Filipino classical songs with beloved Western opera and musical theater classics. The program features sarswela (Filipino opera)\, kundiman (Filipino art songs)\, and timeless Western works\, offering a unique musical journey that bridges cultures. \nThe kundiman—Philippine art songs with themes of love\, patriotism\, and resilience—has been a voice for generations\, from Spanish colonial times to modern struggles for freedom. Iconic songs like “Bayan Ko” have inspired courage and unity\, and Duo Filipino brings these powerful works to life for audiences who may not have experienced them before. \nIn showcasing Filipino music alongside Western standards\, Duo Filipino not only honors their heritage but also invites all listeners to discover the beauty\, history\, and emotional depth of the Philippines’ classical repertoire. This is a night to celebrate culture\, connection\, and the universal language of music. \nThis concert will feature Sarswela\, Kundiman\, Western Opera\, and Musical Theatre\, with the talents of the following artists: \nLauren Florek: Soprano\nCarlo Bunyi: Baritone\nMarcelline Merrill: Pianist \nDATE: Friday\, March 13th 2026 at 7:30 PM\nVENUE: Bijou de la Vida Gallery\nADDRESS: 390 Commercial Street\, Boston\, MA 02109  | North End \nReserve Your Tickets Here! \nWe are also offering the opportunity to sponsor an artist or sponsor one of the three concerts. Please reach out to Will Neely at wneely@nempacboston.org or 857 239 9997 if you are interested. \n\n\n  \n\n\nABOUT LAUREN FLOREK: \nFilipino-American Soprano Lauren Florek brings honesty and authenticity to a variety of musical genres. Recent roles include Frasquita in Carmen\, The Queen of the Night (cover) in The Magic Flute and Deb in the contemporary musical Ordinary Days. In 2023 she was commissioned to record her debut solo album “Sing a Song of Seasons\,” a song cycle of 24 songs by Robert Rogler in the iconic GBH Fraser Performance Studio. Lauren is passionate about the study of Filipino Classical music and co-founded Duo Filipino\, an ensemble committed to sharing Filipino culture and history through Filipino classical music. Lauren was a Finalist and Encouragement Award recipient in Opera Connecticut’s 2025 American Opera Idol Competition and a Semi-Finalist in the 2021 Perfect Day Music Competition. She holds a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from DePaul University and a Master’s in Vocal Performance from the Longy School of Music. \n\n\n  \n\n\nABOUT CARLO BUNYI: \nFilipino baritone Carlo Bunyi is a Boston-based soloist and teacher whose craft and stylistic versatility has led him to explore a diversified range of musical activities. \nRecent performances include Monterone in Rigoletto\, Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni\, Tonio in I Pagliacci\, and Frank in Die Fledermaus. \nHe holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the Longy School of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Voice from the University of Santo Tomas. \nCarlo is the music teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy and currently a cantor at the Divine Mercy Parish in Quincy\, MA. \n\n\n  \n\n\nABOUT MARCELLINE MERRILL: \nAfter her first heart surgery at the age of nine\, Marceline Merrill found companionship and solace at the piano. This lead to her emotionally dynamic playing based in rich tonal colors and story telling. As a testament to her beloved craft\, Marceline holds over 40 distinctions from her smalltown home to international competitions. \nMrs. Merrill performs regionally and across the nation as a soloist and collaborator. She prioritizes curating programs that engage her audiences with underrepresented works alongside the classics. Some highlights from this season include an interview published in the American Music Teacher magazine performance at the New Gallery Concert Series\, a performance and lecture at the Music Teacher National Association Conference\, and a recording of a solo album. \nMarceline also volunteer regionally and nationally to develop the field of piano education with organizations like the Music Teacher National Association\, the New England Piano Teacher Association\, and the Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy.
URL:https://nempacboston.org/event/hey-its-o-k-opera-kundiman/
LOCATION:Bijou de la Vida Gallery\, 390 Commercial Street\, Boston\, MA\, 02113\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concert
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ORGANIZER;CN="NEMPAC":MAILTO:info@nempacboston.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T210000
DTSTAMP:20260523T111230
CREATED:20251029T154856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T203458Z
UID:10000691-1768505400-1768510800@nempacboston.org
SUMMARY:The Reign of Her: An Exploration of the Feminine Sound
DESCRIPTION:Part of NEMPAC’s collaborative Artist Series\, we invite you to experience the power of the feminine sound in Classical Guitar.  In the world of classical music\, the feminine sound is too often misunderstood—labeled as “incorrect” when in truth\, it is simply unique. Resonant\, expressive\, and shaped by a distinctly female perspective\, this sound brings new energy\, technique\, and imagination to the stage. \nJoin us for a transformative concert that redefines what classical guitar can be. Led by a groundbreaking woman in the field\, these concerts spotlight authentic music from a woman’s perspective\, inviting audiences to experience the guitar as a powerful vessel for feminine artistry. \nThrough this concert\, we will explore: \n\nThe rich textures and emotional depth of the feminine sound\nThe differences and intersections between male and female approaches to classical guitar\nThe inclusive\, universal nature of the guitar—an instrument that connects across ages\, genders\, cultures\, and languages\n\nMore than a performance\, this is a movement to modernize classical guitar and expand its audience. You’ll be part of a bold reimagining—one that challenges tradition and celebrates diversity\, authenticity\, and artistic evolution. \nRediscover the guitar.  Reimagine the stage. Feel the power of the feminine sound. \nThis concert will feature Classical Guitar with the talents of Marisa Sardo: \nDATE: Thursday\, January 15th @ 7:30 PM (doors open at 7 PM) \nTICKETS: General Admission $35\, Student $20\, and Pay-what-you-can $0 + \nVENUE: Bijou de la Vida Gallery \nADDRESS: 390 Commercial Street\, Boston\, MA 02113 | North End \n  \nPurchase Single Tickets to this Concert \nThis year we are offering a season pass to all three of our Artist Series concerts for $125/person\, which includes VIP reserved seating\, which you can purchase by clicking here. \nWe are also offering the opportunity to sponsor an artist or sponsor one of the three concerts. Please reach out to Will Neely at wneely@nempacboston.org or 857 239 9997 if you are interested. \n  \n\n\n\n\nABOUT MARISA SARDO: Since being awarded in over 20 international competitions\, Chicago-born guitarist Marisa Sardo has emerged as one of today’s most exciting young artists to see perform live. Born in the United States from Italian parents\, she holds a dual-citizenship and is an active musician in music scenes all over the world. Her unique programs include a variety of diverse music\, including music from Europe\, African music\, music from South America\, music written by women\, world premieres\, and music written for her. She began playing at the age of 4\, and at a young age\, she started competing in and winning local competitions. In 2022\, she was one of the only classical guitarists to win 1st prize in the New York Laureate International Music Competition. In 2021\, she won 1st prize in the Twisted Spruce International Music Competition.  In 2019\, she won 1st prize in the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Competition\, and performed in Amsterdam and Salzburg in the winner’s concert tour. She has performed in numerous venues around the world as a guest soloist\, including the Mozarteum University in Salzburg\, Austria\, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam\, Netherlands\, among others. In total\, Marisa has performed in 5 continents around the world and over 25 countries as a featured solo performer.
URL:https://nempacboston.org/event/the-reign-of-her-an-exploration-of-the-feminine-sound/
LOCATION:Bijou de la Vida Gallery\, 390 Commercial Street\, Boston\, MA\, 02113\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nempacboston.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Femine-Sound-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="NEMPAC":MAILTO:info@nempacboston.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250321T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250321T203000
DTSTAMP:20260523T111230
CREATED:20241002T173809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T230623Z
UID:10000599-1742583600-1742589000@nempacboston.org
SUMMARY:Persian Songs Old + New - Sold Out!
DESCRIPTION:Please note this concert is SOLD OUT! \nPart of NEMPAC’s collaborative new Artist Series\, Vanessa Naghdi\, Fred Springer\, and Sepehr Davallou will present Persian Songs Old + New\, a concert featuring well-known Persian songs as well as new and contemporary songs by Persian composers. This concert will amplify the voices of this underrepresented group\, bringing awareness\, understanding\, and the celebration of different cultures. \nThe beauty in Persian culture is that it spans centuries of time—and throughout its history—has been connected to all generations\, both in the past and now in the present. Vanessa Naghdi is half-Persian and much of her family is from Iran.  Sepehr Davallou is an Iranian citizen living and working in Boston\, having just finished graduate studies at New England Conservatory. There is a sizable Persian community in the Boston area who greatly appreciate and support the arts\, music\, and literature\, as these areas of artistic expression are so much a part of Persian culture. The melodies and texts presented in this concert will present beautiful songs that can be connected to—and understood by—anyone and everyone\, bringing together different people from diverse communities. \nBy presenting this concert at the Bijou de la Vida Gallery\, owned by Iranian art collector Ramin Khoshatefeh\, these artists will present an immersive experience surrounded by many pieces of Persian artwork. This unique\, non-traditional space reflects the music being performed and is a welcoming\, intimate space for community members to feel a sense of belonging. \nThis concert will feature Pop\, Folks\, World\, Traditional\, and Classical music\, with the talents of the following artists: \nVanessa Naghdi: Voice\nFred Springer: Guitar\nSepehr Davallou: Piano \nDATE: Friday\, March 21st 2025 at 7 PM\nVENUE: Bijou de la Vida Gallery\nADDRESS: 390 Commercial Street\, Boston\, MA 02113  | North End \nPurchase Tickets Here! \n\n\n\n\nABOUT VANESSA NAGHDI: Vanessa Naghdi is a Persian-American soprano originally from the Washington\, D.C. area. This past season\, she made her international debut as Cleopatra with Opéra Queens and sang as Soprano Soloist in Exsultate\, jubilate with Salem Philharmonic Orchestra. She has performed with various opera companies and has been awarded by the Dorothy Lincoln Smith Voice Competition and The American Prize in Vocal Performance.\n\n\n\nABOUT FRED SPRINGER: Fred Springer is an artist dedicated to sharing music and art through performance\, outreach\, and education. He has performed across three continents and has won top prizes in international solo guitar and ensemble competitions. He holds degrees in Classical Guitar Performance and Art History and arranges music for guitar with a passion for visual art and film.\n\n\n\nABOUT SEPEHR DAVALLOU: Sepehr Davallou is a pianist\, coach\, and aspiring conductor\, having recently completed a vocal coaching degree at New England Conservatory. He holds a Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tehran. Sepehr has taught piano\, harmony\, and solfege at various music schools and has served as a teaching assistant at NEC.\n\nView and download Translations below:
URL:https://nempacboston.org/event/persian-songs-old-new/
LOCATION:Bijou de la Vida Gallery\, 390 Commercial Street\, Boston\, MA\, 02113\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nempacboston.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Persian-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="NEMPAC":MAILTO:info@nempacboston.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241115T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241115T203000
DTSTAMP:20260523T111230
CREATED:20241001T131938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T174640Z
UID:10000597-1731697200-1731702600@nempacboston.org
SUMMARY:The Bosquejo en Riesgo's Quartet and The Costa Rican Sonic Landscape
DESCRIPTION:Part of NEMPAC’s collaborative new Artist Series\, The Bosquejo en Riesgo’s Quartet and The Costa Rican Sonic Landscape is an immersive musical experience celebrating Costa Rica’s rich cultural tapestry and core social values. Through original compositions and traditional Costa Rican folkloric songs\, the concert will highlight the country’s peace and stability\, democratic traditions\, environmental conservation\, education\, healthcare\, and the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Emphasizing social equality\, community ties\, and respect for nature\, the program will also delve into the wisdom of Costa Rica’s indigenous communities. \nThis concert will feature Jazz and Traditional Costa Rican Music\, with the talents of the following artists: \nJosé Soto: Piano\nMaria Amalia Quesada: Voice\nDaniel Mayer: Electric Bass\nGen Yoshimira: Drums \nDATE: Friday\, November 15th @ 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) \nTICKETS: General Admission $35\, Student $20\, and Pay-what-you-can $0 + \nVENUE: Bijou de la Vida Gallery \nADDRESS: 390 Commercial Street\, Boston\, MA 02113 | North End \nPurchase Tickets! \n  \n\n\n\n\nABOUT JOSÉ SOTO:  José is driven by the purpose of creating socially conscious music and art. José Soto\, a Costa Rican pianist\, composer\, and educator\, explores free improvisation\, jazz\, classical music\, and Latin American rhythms. He studied at the National University of Costa Rica\, the New England Conservatory\, and the Berklee Global Jazz Institute. His album “The Ancestral Call\,” inspired by the Bribri indigenous culture\, won the Gold Medal at the Global Music Awards and was featured in NPR’s Best Alternative Latin Music of 2023\, Jazziz Editor’s Choice\, NBC New York\, and People en Español. Notable jazz musicians such as George Garzone and Francisco Mela contributed to the project. José has toured nationally and internationally\, sharing stages with artists like Luciana Souza\, Francisco Mela\, Danilo Perez\, and Eddie Daniels. He currently teaches at Berklee College in Massachusetts.\n\n \n\n\nABOUT MARIA AMALIA QUESADA:  Singer\, Cultural Manager\, and Educator. Maria Amalia currently lives in Boston\, Massachusetts. She started studying music in Costa Rica at a very young age. Maria Amalia has collaborated and sung with artists such as Danilo Pérez\, Jason Yeager\, Patricia Zarate\, Vardan Ovsepian\, Fernando Huergo\, Tatiana Parra\, Lihi Haruvi\, Connor Kent\, Jacob Jezioro\, Jacob Means\, Daniel Patiño Quintana\, Humberto Vargas\, among others. She had shaped her talent under the guidance of Sofia Rei\, Roxana Amed\, Dominique Eade\, and Rebecca Shrimpton. \nAs a singer and composer\, she co-founded with pianist Jose Soto Bosquejo en Riesgo. This creative music project uses experimentation and improvisation in various genres\, from Latin American folklore to jazz. The group’s music conveys the multicultural experience of these expanding musicians\, approaching different audiences through original compositions and arrangements from the Latin American imaginary. The group has performed in Costa Rica\, Boston\, Cambridge\, USA\, and in festivals in Mexico and Panama. \n\nAs Cultural Manager\, Maria Amalia is co-founder of the Fundacion Armonia Colectiva and Executive Director of the International Jazz Festival of Costa Rica FIJAZZ. She has given different workshops and lectures on cultural management on national and international levels. She has also worked and collaborated in various cultural projects such as the Executive Director of FEDUJAZZ Foundation and the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival in the Dominican Republic and International Coordinator of the Panama Jazz Festival\, among other cultural and social initiatives nationally and internationally.\n\n \n\n \n \nA big thank you to Boston Bottles for sponsoring a wine tasting of South American wines during the intermission of our concerts at Bijou de la Vida Gallery. 
URL:https://nempacboston.org/event/the-bosquejo-en-riesgos-quartet-and-the-costa-rican-sonic-landscape/
LOCATION:Bijou de la Vida Gallery\, 390 Commercial Street\, Boston\, MA\, 02113\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nempacboston.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Jose-Soto-and-Maria-Amalia-Quesada.png
ORGANIZER;CN="NEMPAC":MAILTO:info@nempacboston.org
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