A ‘southern wind’ to blow through the W.E. Singleton Center

What do you get when you combine many
years of musical experience with compositional
originality? Cultural awareness with contemporary
innovation? Trombones with tango?

Viento Sur, which means “south wind” in
Spanish, is a trombone quartet that has embellished
the conventionality of chamber music with
its own Latin flair.

Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, each
member of the ensemble – Carlos Ovejero, Jorge
A. Urani, Enrique Schneebeli and Pablo Fenoglio
– brings his individual credentials to the table.
Schneebeli, a bass trombonist and founding
member of Viento Sur, has performed with a
number of notable orchestras and philharmonics,
both in the United States and abroad.

In addition to his career as a performer, Schneebeli
takes an active role in musical instruction. Co-director
of the Posaunenchor Temperley, a program
involved in touring performances and training young
brass players, Schneebeli also is sought out to teach
at various festivals throughout South America.

The profiles for the other members of the
group read just as impressively. Ovejero, who
currently occupies the seat of principal trombone
in the Argentine National Symphonic Orchestra,
is described as “one of the most renowned
trombonists in Argentina.”

Urani, who has performed with a number of
notable symphonic orchestras, is the rehearsal coach
for the Municipal Symphonic Band of Cordoba and
Municipal Music School of Colonia Carayo.

Versatility and adeptness make Fenoglio a
highly sought-out musician. He has held positions
in symphonic orchestras and bands in Argentina
for both the trombone and euphonium and
augments his performing career by teaching at
various music festivals.

It is obvious that Viento Sur’s purpose, as far
as its members’ musical experience is
concerned, is to produce music that will
impart artistic expression and a sense of
cultural identity while also recognizing
the importance of education.

The compositions of Viento Sur
have the traits of traditional chamber
music with contemporary, intercultural
elements. Listening to a Europeandominated
style and genre, infused with
the dances of the band’s native land,
allow one to experience the new face
of classical chamber music. Ritmo
– “rhythm” – meets style and grace.

Viento Sur’s appearance at VCU
March 6 will be one stop on their
February/March U.S. Tour to
universities throughout the nation.
The performance will be held in the
W.E. Singleton Center at 8 p.m.
and is free to the public.