“Classics for Kids” concert series

(Beacon) - The Howland Cultural Center opened its eleventh season of the popular “Classics For Kids” concert series this past weekend. Four concerts will take place during the 2006-2007 season.
The first concert featured Gisele and Carlos Revollar in an exciting program of Flamenco dance and guitar. This was a return engagement for the Revollars, who first performed at the Howland Cultural Center two years ago. Their music and dance pleased the audience once again.
While usually considered Spanish, Flamenco music and dance has been influenced by many other cultures, including Gypsies, Moors, Sephardic Jews and Andalusian Christians. The lively demonstration of singing and dancing included audience participation, which focused on clapping and dancing.

A native of Brazil, Gisele Revollar has studied Flamenco song and dance in Brazil, Spain and New York. Carlos Revollar has studied both classical and Flamenco guitar and has played for many dance companies.
The concert also commemorates National Hispanic-American History Month, which is part of a month long celebration at the Center. An art exhibition honoring twenty Latino artists of the Hudson Valley is currently on display.

The concert series will continue on November 18 with John Ferrari, a percussionist, playing marimba and drums. Other concerts of the “Classics For Kids” series will take place in March with Alpin Hong, piano, and in April with Soo Bae, cello. The last two concerts will have an additional attraction. Master classes for young children in those instruments will follow the performances, receiving the suggestions and critique from the classical musicians.

All children attend these concerts free, but they must be accompanied by an adult, who may bring as many children as they wish for the price of one adult ticket. Pictured Above: Parents and children join in the Gisele Revollar for some Flamenco dancing.