The trio Classico Latino was formed in 1999 at Cambridge University by Colombian pianist Ivan Guevara and two rising stars of the British classical music scene, cellist Graham Walker and violinist Lizzie Ball. They developed an original style by audaciously combining traditional Latin American melodies and rhythms with classical music techniques. These groundbreaking arrangements, along with their own compositions, are deliciously performed with verve and virtuosity, creating music with an extraordinary appeal to people from all cultural backgrounds.

The trio’s album Classico Latino & Friends Journey Through Latin America, released on 15 April, was recorded last year at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and presents iconic melodies and songs from across the continent, including a beautifully arranged tango in Carlos Gardel’s ‘El día que me quieras’, the traditional Venezuelan joropo ‘Alma Llanera’, and the timeless song ‘Gracias a la vida’ by Chilean composer Violeta Parra. The album also presents original new works from the trio and Colombian composers.

The recording features talented friends from Europe and Latin America including popular Colombian singer Andres Cepeda, percussionists Wilmer Sifontes from Venezuela and Sebastian Laverde from Colombia, Mexican guitarist Morgan Szymanski, Colombian tiple (a small acoustic Colombian guitar) player Faber Grajales, Russian violinist Dunja Lavrova, Greek singer Eirini Tornesaki and the extraordinary Gentlemen of St John’s College from the University of Cambridge.

This is music that crosses borders and simultaneously demonstrates the extraordinary vibrancy of Latin America and the beauty of the classical idiom. Classico Latino will take you on a musical journey through Latin America.

More information at www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/jdpevent/classico-latino-%E2%80%98journey-through-latin-america%E2%80%99