Designed to welcome
Broader Audiences
Outstanding
Ticket Sales Generator
Full Set of Scores and Orchestra Parts
Full Show and
Production Packages
The History of Salsa™
An electrifying 80-minute symphonic show that celebrates Salsa's rich cultural heritage and its influence around the globe.
The History of Salsa™ is an electrifying and immersive symphonic show that delves into the vibrant journey of Salsa music and dance. Originating from the rich cultural melting pot of Eastern Cuba and evolving in the dynamic streets of New York in the 1960s, Salsa is a fusion of Cuban rhythms such as mambo and rumba, and American dance styles like swing and tap. Under the visionary leadership of Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, this production, curated by the Performing Arts Laboratory, seamlessly blends storytelling with symphonic grandeur. The guest band, celebrated for their expertise in Salsa and outstanding tickets sales history, infuses the performance with unparalleled energy, while specially designed orchestral arrangements highlight the genre's evolution across different regions and eras.
The History of Salsa™ not only showcases Salsa's roots in Afro-Cuban traditions but also its global spread and diverse styles, from New York's linear "On 2" style to the circular movements of Cuban Casino. Backed by extensive ethno-musicological research, The History of Salsa™ offers orchestras a comprehensive package, including scores and a full production kit. Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez’s profound understanding of Americas and World Music ensures that each performance is a vibrant celebration of Salsa's history and cultural significance, resonating with audiences and enriching the global performing arts landscape.
"This is not a show where the orchestra plays long notes while the guest band enjoys the core of the music... The History of...™ allows every artists to become an essential part of the musical, artistic, and dramatic discourse. This is a carefully crafted designed Symphonic Show that allows not only the orchestra to experience in depth the performance practices of the genre in all its eras of development, but also allows current and new audiences to see the connections between the genre and other Classical and Folkloric music styles; transforming The History of...™ into a powerful generator of artistic development for the orchestra and its musicians and audience and community development for the full organization and its seasons."
Diego Barbosa-Vásquez
Chief Creator, Artistic Director & Conductor
Guest Artists:
La 33
Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
La-33 is a salsa orchestra from Bogotá, Colombia, founded in 2001 by brothers Sergio and Santiago Mejía, and Guillermo Celis, inspired by the 1970s Latin sounds of New York. Named after the street where their project began, La-33 has performed over 1,500 concerts across five continents, making them one of the most successful independent music projects in recent decades. Known for their unique sound, rock influences, original lyrics, and fresh arrangements, they are a symbol of the Colombian salsa scene. Their hits include "Soledad," "La Pantera Mambo," "La-33," and "Que Rico Boogaloo." Recently, they performed with the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra, expanding their musical boundaries. With seven albums and collaborations with artists like Los Rolling Ruanas and N. Hardem, La-33 continues to tour, work on a new album, and celebrate their 22-year journey.
Other Productions
by
La 33
The History of...™
Broadcasting a full genre in an engaging Symphonic Concert with catchy original Storytelling...
The History of…™ is an electrifying and immersive symphonic show that celebrates the rich heritage of Worldwide music through a captivating 80-minute performance. Divided into two acts, the show meticulously narrates the history of a specific genre, highlighting its unique artistic, musical, and cultural values. Under the visionary leadership of Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, the production, curated by the Performing Arts Laboratory, blends storytelling and symphonic grandeur.
The guest band, renowned for their expertise and authority in the genre, outstanding ticket sales, and exceptional track record collaborating with orchestras; infuses each performance with unparalleled energy, while specially designed orchestral arrangements showcase the genre's evolution across time and geography.
Backed by extensive ethno-musicological research, The History of…™ offers orchestras a comprehensive package including scores, full parts, and full show and production kit. Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez’s profound understanding of standard symphonic repertoire, as well as Americas and World Music ensures each performance is a vibrant celebration of the genre's history and cultural significance, resonating with audiences and enriching the global performing arts landscape.
Entertaining broad audiences through catchy and immersive symphonic performances.
Empowering orchestras to master and enrich their repertoires, connecting with diverse audiences worldwide.
Broadcasting the rich cultural heritage of Worldwide Music
Conducted by
Diego Barbosa-Vásquez
Chief Creator, Artistic Director & Conductor
Opera, Orchestra, and Ballet Conductor, Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez is a visionary leader in the Performing Arts. He combines his Colombian roots, remarkable international training, and global expertise in high-level artistic productions; to create outstanding and highly profitable immersive artistic experiences. As the General Director of the Performing Arts Laboratory and Music Director of The Americas Chamber Orchestra, his dynamic conducting, innovative productions, and groundbreaking research in Arts Sustainability have garnered international acclaim and remarkable community engagement.
Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez has collaborated as Conductor with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, IU Opera and Ballet Theater, and IU Symphonies (USA). In addition, was Music & Artistic Director of the CASC Opera Camp and the World Music Symphony Orchestra (Los Angeles, CA); Music & Artistic Director of Pronartes Musical Theater, Huila Philharmonic, and E&P Orchestra and Choir System (Colombia), and Principal Guest Conductor of El Salvador National Youth Symphony Orchestra for 6 years.
FurFurthermore, he holds a Doctor Degree from the prestigious Opera, Orchestra, and Ballet Conducting Department at Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University (USA) with Doctoral Minors in Music Theory and Arts Administration. Moreover, he has developed multiple times internationally awarded PostDoctoral Research in LatinAmerican Cultures, Arts and Identities as Artists/Scholar of CLACS, and in Performing Arts Sustainability (Dimensions: Artistic, Financial, Social and Ecological) with emphasis on International Business, International Political-Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy development collaborating with the prestigious Ostrom Workshop.
Barbosa-Vásquez at the Podium!
Stravinsky
Firebird, Suite 1919
Verdi
La Forza del Destino, Overture
Traditional Venezuelan
Montilla
Strauss
Tod und Verklärung Op. 24
PRODUCTIONS
By Performing Arts Laboratory
An esteemed branch of the Performing Arts Laboratory dedicated to crafting high-level artistic shows that blend powerful ticketing revenue with profound community engagement. With a keen focus on innovative and culturally rich productions, PAL Productions delivers meticulously researched and expertly executed performances that captivate audiences. Under the visionary guidance of Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, our productions not only showcase exceptional artistic talent but also foster a deeper connection between communities and the vibrant world of performing arts. From dynamic symphonic shows like “The History of…”™, comprehensive Multidisciplinary experiences as “Opera Camps™, to groundbreaking original pieces, PAL Productions stands at the forefront of enriching the cultural landscape with unforgettable experiences.
Based on:
Groundbreaking
Multidisciplinary Development
Scientifically Proven
& International Awarded