The Toomai String Quintet is an ensemble devoted to playing a variety of musical styles from around the world, creating its own string arrangements, and commissioning new works. Their program at Barbès features music by some of Latin America’s most influential composers, spanning 1920s classical music to modern-day popular music. Through Toomai's versatility and engaging string arrangements, the group evokes the essence of beloved musical traditions from Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico. Including music by Heitor Villa Lobos, Lea Freire, Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Ernesto Lecuona, Manuel Ponce, Milton Nascimento, and more.
With violinists Alex Fortes and Emilie-Anne Gendron (violins), George Meyer (viola), Hamilton Berry (cello), and Andrew Roitstein (bass)