Curtis Macdonald

“Limitless” pianist David Virelles (DownBeat) and percussionist Dafnis Prieto—“one of the most multidimensional artists working today” (JazzTimes)—come together with an all-star ensemble in a program that celebrates the wide-ranging influence of Cuban rhythms across multiple genres of music, curated in collaboration with the singular Tania León. In his new commission, Virelles explores pulses, cycles, and tonalities inspired by the rhythmic language and counterpoint of the three ritual batá drums. Also featured is a piece by Virelles’s mentor, NEA Jazz Master Henry Threadgill. The program opens with León’s propulsive duo for piano and percussion, A la par.