Who is Orquesta Universal
Orquesta Universal is a twelve-piece salsa band that plays mambo and cha cha songs that thousands of people have danced and listened to. Formed in 2004, already, this coming year of 2005, they will be performing at the Lincoln Center Outdoors Concert Series, at Lake Moor in Central Park, Saint Joseph’s College, Jazzfest 2006 and at various salsa clubs in and around New York City. Their first CD has just been released in 2005.
Formed by Richard Vitale and Carlos Konig, this orchestra performs songs dedicated to dancers of salsa and Latin/jazz enthusiasts alike!
For those of you interested more in Latin/jazz than in salsa, check out Dizzy Gillespie’s “Night in Tunisia,” Franciso Tarrego’s “Adelita,” Jobim’s “How Insensitive,” and Thelonius Monk’s “Evidence.”
Richard Vitale (trumpeter and arranger) is a TCB recording artist with several CDs out as leader and sideman and has performed with Frank Sinatra, Sting, Tony Bennett, James Taylor, Buddy Rich and has toured Europe and Japan with his own quintet.
Carlos Konig (guitar, dancer, choreographer) is one of New York's premier mambo instructors and has taught in Italy, Germany, Hong Kong and Puerto Rico as well has having a permanent location in Ripley/Grier Studios in central Manhattan.
Featuring twice Grammy nominated sonero, David Oquendo, this Orquesta plays with the feeling and passion you can get only from a 12-piece ensemble that swings. The sidemen in Orquesta Universal have performed and recorded with such greats as Charlie and Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Ray Barreto, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Manny Oquendo, Johnny Pacheco, El Gran Combo, "Changuito," Willie Chirino, Marc Anthony, Candido, Patato Valdez, Gato Barbieri, Arturo Sandoval, Graciela, Chico O'Farril, Louis Ramirez, Hector Lavoe, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Rodriquez, Celia Cruz, Mongo Santamaria, Israel “Cachao” Lopez and the “Fania All Stars.”
Please enjoy the release or our first CD " New York Salsa
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400 W. 43rd St. Apt. 8F New York, NY 10036 USA
(212) 563-6008 phone / (917) 553-7568 cell / RichieVitale.com (website)
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