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Legendary Peruvian singer-songwriter and Grammy-winner Susana Baca performed at the Berklee Performance Center, backed by a 30-piece student band, on November 13.
By
Justin Poon
November 25, 2014
Legendary Peruvian singer-songwriter and Grammy-winner Susana Baca performed at the Berklee Performance Center, backed by a 30-piece student band, on November 13. Student singers opened for Baca with renditions of her Latin and Afro-Peruvian originals. Most of the songs were arranged by students from all over the world, from Peru to Italy to Mexico to Japan, and included instrumentalists playing traditional Latin percussion. The show, part of Berklee's Signature Series, was produced by bass professor Oscar Stagnaro and Contemporary Writing and Production chair Matthew Nicholl.
Considered a key figure in the revival of Afro-Peruvian music, Baca often collaborates with native poets and lyricists. Her music reflects her traditionalism while incorporating contemporary influences. Her album Lamento Negro won a Latin Grammy Award for Best Folk Album and was nominated for Best World Music Album. Baca also won a Grammy Award for her collaboration with Calle 13 on the song "Latinoamerica."
Watch a video of students performing at Baca's concert: