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Ensemble

 

Grupo Manón is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1995 in Caracas, Venezuela. The group is named after the Venezuelan composer Pedro Elías Gutiérrez's famous zarzuela, "Alma Llanera," which features the character Manón. The ensemble is known for its unique blend of traditional Venezuelan music and classical repertoire, which has earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following. The founding members of Grupo Manón were all graduates of the prestigious Simón Bolívar Conservatory of Music in Caracas. The group's original lineup consisted of four musicians: Eddy Marcano on violin, Aquiles Báez on guitar, Leonardo Lozano on flute, and Iván Adler on cello. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include additional musicians, including percussionists, vocalists, and other instrumentalists. Grupo Manón's music is heavily influenced by the traditional music of Venezuela, particularly the joropo, a popular dance style that originated in the country's plains region. The group's repertoire also includes classical works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, which they often arrange to incorporate Venezuelan rhythms and melodies. One of Grupo Manón's most notable performances took place in 2007, when they performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. as part of the center's "Venezuela: Festival of Music and Dance" series. The ensemble received rave reviews for their performance, with The Washington Post describing them as "a virtuosic ensemble that blends classical and folkloric music with breathtaking ease." In addition to their performances in Venezuela and the United States, Grupo Manón has also toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America. They have performed at major music festivals such as the Edinburgh International Festival, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Mexico. Grupo Manón has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In 2001, they were awarded the National Music Prize by the Venezuelan government in recognition of their contributions to the country's cultural heritage. They have also been recognized by the Latin Grammy Awards, receiving nominations in 2003 and 2006 for their albums "Manón" and "Manón 2," respectively. Despite their success, Grupo Manón remains committed to their mission of promoting Venezuelan music and culture on the world stage. They continue to perform and record new music, and have become ambassadors for their country's rich musical traditions.

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