We had no idea.
As our “Music for Forbidden Dances” program moved into its second half last night at Brandeis University’s Slosberg Auditorium, a pint-sized 9-year-old clarinetist stepped on stage. Who’s he?
Santiago del Curto proceeded to steal the show: He is gifted musician and the son of the evening’s guest artist, Hector del Curto, bandoneonist and master of the tango and other South American “forbidden” dance music. His mother is cellist Jisoo Ok, who was also on stage, and together the family’s performance with the Aston Magna ensemble prompted a boisterous ovation from the crowd.
Santiago — according to his professional website — is scheduled to perform again tonight (6/17) with his parents and the Aston Magna ensemble at Bard College’s Laszlo Z. Bito ’60 Conservatory Building at Bard College, and again tomorrow night (6/17).
Young Santiago’s website, santiagodelcurto.com is complete with publicity photos and videos of his performances going back to kindergarten.
Welcome, Santiago, to the big time! We will be watching your career with great interest.
Tickets are still available for tonight’s “Music for Forbidden Dances” concerts at Bard and in the Berkshires, at astonmagna.org. Aston Magna concerts run through July 22 at Brandeis and in the Berkshires, and through July 7 at Bard College.