SPAC On Stage: Genre Bending and Expanding Nu Deco on Monday, August 13
MIAMI – “Our goal is to always play to the venue. Incorporating music that is relevant to the community.”
Photo:Nick Garcia
So stated Jacomo Rafel Bairos, who along with Sam Hyken are co-founders and co-artistic directors of Nu Deco Ensemble – a stunning and groundbreaking collective that combines the elements of traditional classical and chamber music, with modern multi-media – utilizing dancers and DJ’s, beats and electronic rhythms – leading you on a journey that traverses traditional borders in terms of style, genre, and instrumentation.
Here is but a small taste of how they put together this revolutionary recipe. As the crescendo builds, you become aware that this is going to be different:
Direct from Miami, where we reached them by phone, and where they have played intimate in-the-round settings, to larger outdoor bandshells, Nu Deco will appear next Monday, August 13 as the next installment of Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s “SPAC On Stage” series – making their New York debut in a setting that is hardly traditional. 350 attendees will hear a performance, while sharing the stage with the artists. It would appear to be another perfect match of venue, audience and performers.
“For us, it all comes down to the energy we receive, and then give back.” Sam said, “Audience engagement is a huge element in our performances.”
Jacamo and Sam had a fortuitous meeting on the other side of the world in 2004 while auditioning for the Singapore Symphony. They bonded and shared a residence while over there. During that time, burgeoning media forms such as IMAX and Garage Band held a fascination for the pair, which led to observation and experimentation with incorporating the modern into the traditional. “We strive to make traditional music more relevant and current,” Jacomo explained, and the end product of a decade-and-a-half of mixing and blending will be in evidence to those who attend Monday’s performance. “This is our way of showing reverence to the music,” he concluded.
This is an collaborative ensemble in the truest sense. While Sam and Jacamo are co-artistic directors, they rarely decide the performance’s playlist alone – taking into account the strengths of their guest artist (which varies, but is a staple at each performance), as well as from the members of the talented ensemble.
“We are so excited,” Sam concluded, “and ready to roll!”
When making your weekend plans, extend them a day to include Monday. You won’t be sorry.
Learn more about Nu Deco’s music and mission HERE
SPAC On Stage 2018 Schedule:
Monday, August 13 – Nu Deco
Monday, August 20* – Black Violin
Monday August 27 – H’SAO
Tickets to “SPAC on Stage” will be $50 or $40, depending on location, and are available to the public at spac.org. *The August 20 Black Violin Performance is SOLD OUT
Arthur Gonick
August 10, 2018
