On Saturday evening, the Prior-Jollek Hall at the Antilles School Campus was filled to capacity with an enthusiastic audience eager to experience the musical prowess of Cuban-born pianist and composer Elio Villafranca. The concert was a captivating musical journey through the works of Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona and jazz legend Horace Silver, seamlessly blending classical and jazz traditions.
The first half of the program paid homage to classical Cuban compositions, opening with solo piano renditions of Ernesto Lecuona’s “La Cardenense” and “La Comparsita” from his “Danzas Afro-Cubanas.” Villafranca’s interpretation captured the intricate rhythms and expressive depth of these pieces, setting a contemplative yet engaging tone. The ensemble then joined for Ignacio Cervantes’ “Los Delirios de Rosita,” “Los Muñecos,” and “La Camagüeyana,” with Mark Gross’s clarinet and Carlos Maldonado’s percussion adding dynamic textures to the performance.
A particularly touching moment came when Villafranca performed “Calle Paula,” a composition he dedicated to his mother, showcasing both his technical brilliance and emotional depth. Before the intermission, a Q&A session allowed audience members, including students, to ask about his musical inspiration and advice for aspiring musicians. Villafranca reflected on the cultural arts center near his home in Pinar del Río, Cuba, which served as his inspiration and where he explored various instruments. Mark Gross, the saxophonist and clarinetist, advised students to be disciplined in their practice while maintaining curiosity and a sense of enjoyment in their musical journey.
The second half transformed into an electrifying jazz session featuring compositions by the legendary Horace Silver. The ensemble delivered spirited renditions of “Ecaroh,” “Moon Rays,” “Gregory Is Here,” “Peace,” “Silver’s Serenade,” “Pretty Eyes” and concluded with the lively “Cookin’ at the Continental.” The energy soared when Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Melvin Jones joined the sextet, his vibrant solos adding a bold and exhilarating dimension to the performance. Each musician had the opportunity to showcase their artistry through individual solos, met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The ensemble featured Elio Villafranca on piano, Grammy Award-winning and St. Thomas’ own Dion Parson on drums, Edward Perez on bass, Mark Gross on saxophone and clarinet, Alex Norris on trumpet, and Carlos Maldonado on percussion. Their seamless interplay and palpable passion for the music created an atmosphere of both sophistication and spontaneity.
The evening concluded with a well-deserved standing ovation, cementing the concert as a thrilling exploration of Cuban and jazz legacies. Villafranca and his ensemble not only entertained but also inspired, leaving a memorable impression on all who attended.
