SALTANGO

Dr Daniel Rojas is an award-winning composer specialising in the rich and vibrant Latin American aesthetic, as well as an acclaimed pianist specialising in Latin and tango music, and stunning improvisations at the keyboard. Graduating with the University Medal and obtaining a doctorate in composition from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Rojas has composed two piano concertos commissioned by Ars Musica Australis and performed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, North Sydney Symphony, Sydney Youth and Sydney University Symphony Orchestras.  Published by Reed Music Australia and the Australian Music Centre, Rojas’ solo CD, Latin Piano Expressions, was selected as Limelight magazine’s ‘Editor’s Choice’. Rojas’ musical experience also extends to composing and conducting for film, and as a passionate music educator, working with communities, schools, and festivals such as Queensland Music Festival.  He is currently Program Director of Composition at University of Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music.

Ensemble Apex is a vibrant, creative, adaptive collection of charismatic young musicians in Sydney, united by a passion for giving magnetic performances of the often-underground repertoire we love and believe in. Together, led by Artistic Director and conductor Sam Weller, this ensemble endeavours to bring young people into the fold of classical music, breaking down cost and cultural barriers to accessing high quality, edgy orchestral performances. An Ensemble Apex program is designed to ignite intrigue and passion for orchestral music, whether it be an edgy ballet in the bowels of Sydney Town Hall, or with DJs and producers on stage for Sydney’s Vivid Festival. In its young life, this ensemble is already enriching the cultural landscape of Sydney, with unprecedented young audience numbers and online engagement. In this program, four of Ensemble Apex’s core musicians join forces with Daniel Rojas to bring you an electrifying concert.