Peru - Gran Teatro Nacional jazz gala

May 2016.

CU's Dr. Keith Waters, professor of Music Theory, jazz pianist, and published author of numerous books and articles, joined Rafael in Lima from May 23 - 28, 2016, to work with the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru's (PUCP) Big Band in preparation for the official release of their new album in a gala concert at the beautiful Gran Teatro Nacional. In addition to rehearsals with the band at the Catholic University, Dr. Waters gave a lecture on improvisation at the School of Music and sat in with New York musician Alejandro Aviles at local jazz club "El Cocodrilo Verde." Rafael's work consisted largely of preparing the band for their big debut at this state-of-the-art theatre in daily rehearsals. Both he and Keith had the wonderful opportunity to perform with the band in concert. Rafael was also invited to give a lecture on the topic of "Conducting the Orchestra - a Collaborative Model" at the Universidad de Piura (UDEP), as pat of their cultural outreach program.