BIOGRAPHY

One of the most exciting groups on Chicago’s musical scene, FANDANGO! is a spicy mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan and classical sounds. These four multi-award-winning, globe-trotting virtuosi hail from Spain, France, Bosnia, and Taiwan.

They have appeared on the world’s most prestigious stages and received rave reviews in the international press.

An exciting and refreshing ensemble with authentic repertoire choices, exciting arrangements, and newly commissioned works . . . a nearly sold-out audience . . . gorgeous sounds . . . brilliant execution . . . a captivating performance

. . . toe-tapping . . . this performance undoubtedly showed Fandango!’s variety of articulations, colors, and panache.”

—SOUTH FLORIDA CLASSICAL REVIEW

Fandango! takes its name from the passionate Spanish dance in triple-meter. Popular in Portugal and Latin America as well, it was even used by Mozart in the last act of "The Marriage of Figaro." The origin of the name is still debated, but some think it comes from the Bantu language of Africa.

Amusing anecdote connected with the history of the Fandango: soon after its introduction, it was condemned by the ecclesiastical authorities in Spain as a "godless dance." Just as they were about to prohibit it, one of the judges remarked that it was not fair to condemn it unheard. Two celebrated dancers were accordingly brought in to perform the Fandango before the assembly. This they did with such effect that "everyone joined in, and the assembly hall was turned into a dancing saloon." No more was heard of the condemnation of the Fandango.

One of the best-known Fandangos is the last movement of Boccherini's Quintet for Guitar and Strings in D major, which quickly became the signature piece of this Chicago-based ensemble.

Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner and Bosnian guitarist Denis Azabagic are a husband-and-wife team acclaimed worldwide as the Cavatina Duo. They have captivated audiences with their electrifying performances in such major venues and festivals as Ravinia (Chicago), Da Camera Society (Los Angeles), Aix-en-Provence Summer Festival (France), the National Concert Hall of Taipei (Taiwan), National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing (China), National Flute Convention Gala Concert (USA), the Harris Theater (Chicago), Kolkata International Guitar Festival (India), Palau de la Musica (Spain), among many others. "If there is a finer flute and guitar duo in the world than Cavatina Duo, I have not heard them," raved Soundboard Magazine.

Eugenia Moliner has been acclaimed as “brilliant” by the British Flute Society magazine. She has performed with principal musicians from the Chicago Symphony, Rotterdam Philharmonic and Toronto Symphony orchestras and appeared with many renowned ensembles including the Chicago Chamber Musicians. Eugenia has been featured on radio and television programs in Europe, Asia and the USA. Her discography includes seven CDs.

A prize-winner in twenty-four international competitions, Denis Azabagic has been described as a “virtuoso with flawless technique” by Soundboard Magazine. He has appeared as soloist with orchestras such as the Chicago and Madrid Symphonies, among many others. His discography includes eleven CDs and two DVDs.

French violinist Blaise Magnière and Taiwanese cellist Cheng-Hou Lee are both members of the Avalon Quartet, which captured the top prize at the ARD Competition in Munich and 1st Prize at the Concert Artists Guild Competition in New York City. They were described by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites you—ears, mind, and spirit—into its music.” The quartet trained intensively with the Juilliard, Emerson and Vermeer Quartets.

Blaise Magnière has been praised for his “virtuosic skill” (Stage and Cinema) and “poised expression" (Chicago Classical Review). He has appeared at festivals such as Caramoor, Mostly Mozart, La Jolla, Ravinia, Bath and Aldeburgh. His performances and conversation have been heard on BBC, CBC (Canada), ABC (Australia) and France-Musique. His performances and conversation have been heard on BBC, CBC (Canada), ABC (Australia) and France-Musique. He has recorded for the Channel Classsics, Cedille, New Tangent and Albany labels, and earned the Chamber Music America/WQXR Record Award.

Cheng-Hou Lee won the Manhattan School of Music Concerto Competition, the Tuesday Musical Club Competition in Houston, and Taiwan's National Cello Competition. He has performed throughout the USA, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong and Taiwan. He has appeared as soloist with Chicago Chamber Orchestra and Illinois Philharmonic and performed for Lincoln Center's “What Makes It Great?” series and Jordan Hall’s 100th anniversary in Boston. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Juilliard School, and his Doctorate of Musical Art from the New England Conservatory.

Praise from Presenters

“Fandango was a delight - musically, programmatically and personally. They are four top musicians who have a unique mission: Their unique programming for the duos, trios and quartets of their ensemble feature a wonderful mixture of classical transcriptions, commissions and Sephardic, Spanish and Balkan folk-inspired music.

Their musicianship is what I most appreciated. Apart from their fine, vibrant virtuosity, they are truly EXPRESSIVE musicians. This is especially true of Desiree and Eugenia, who blew me away with the passion and power of their music making. I told Eugenia afterward that singers who study and perform the major roles in Traviata would do well to listen to her to understand how to phrase, pace and feel the great arias.

Lovely people, top notch musicians, fresh and refreshing programming, and music making that fully communicates. Our audience of about 500 stood and cheered, requiring two encores.

Bravi! - I look forward to bringing them back in the future,

Paul Posnak, Music Director
St. Martha-Yamaha Concert Series, Miami Shores, FL

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“Fabulous concert tonight!!! I am inspired! Not just amazing musicians but lovely people as well. We had lots of praise for them from the audiences, including one person last night who told me that it was the highlight of the Festival for her. The outreaches were wonderful and the students in the little ensemble on stage were so excited and thrilled to perform with them. They were so generous as to offer to listen to them play so I took them to the local music school yesterday before the concert and they did some masterclasses for a handful of students. The students were so appreciative and absorbed all they could.

Watch out Lisa! Fandango threatened to take our students on tour with them!

A local photographer took photos of the outreach performances. She posted a few on her blog today. The link is http://amandatemplephotography.blogspot.com/”

Nancy Smith, Director
Bermuda International Festival

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“Yesterday's concert by FANDANGO! was just splendid!

Individually they are superior musicians and they possess all the facets of great chamber music making. A word I don't use very often, but seems appropriate: SENSATIONAL!

Our audience loved them, presented them with a standing ovation at the conclusion of the program and another following their encore!

In addition, they are gracious people and it was a pleasure to be with them.

Phillip Spurgeon, Artistic Director,
The Artists Series of Tallahassee

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“I will happily share my thoughts with you regarding Fandango's outreach and public concert. Each performer in the quartet is extremely musically skilled, and in addition very personable. They did a beautiful job of tailoring their outreach performances to the age of the students, altering their musical choices and their interaction with the listeners to suit each audience. The age span they performed outreach for was from kindergarten to middle school students, as well as residents at an assisted living facility. Some of the students had a familiarity with music, and others had no experience at all with classical music. The members of Fandango charmed every single audience.

The Fandango quartet worked extremely hard while they were with us, and the Artist Series really appreciated their willingness to be housed in private homes. Hopefully they are leaving Tallahassee with some new Florida friends.

The public concert that they presented today for our Series patrons was engaging, diverse, virtuosic and beautifully musical. I thought it was interesting for the audience to hear the different combinations of instruments, from quartet to trio to different musical duos. All four of the performers lived up to the high musical standards that we try to find in the artists that we present on our series. We thank Desiree, David, Eugenia and Denis for their beautiful work. “

Sincerely,

Carla Connors, President
The Artist Series, Tallahassee, FL

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"It was a great opener for the season! Fun and festive. A wonderful variety of music—the audience was enthralled. And of course their personalities shone through in the concert."

—Judy Wakeley, Hawaii Concert Association

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"The concert was great! The school programs were VERY well received and I think that is why we had so many young people attending. A huge success overall.

—Judy Baxter, Grand County Concert Association (Colorado)

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"Fandango's unique and very beautiful blend of instruments exceeded my expectations and my expectations were already high. They were fantastic. Our audience loved them. It was one of the best attended classical shows we've presented in a long time. The children at the morning show couldn't stop asking questions after the last 'piece' which is not a 'song.' The workshops they gave for our string students were very good." — Tom Green, Gila Valley Arts Council (Arizona)

St. Martha-Yamaha Concert Series, Miami Shores, FL