Elio Villafranca: Florentina
Jazz at Lincoln Center102 Columbus Circle, New York 10107
Elio Villafranca presents Florentina, a new suite for 10-piece ensemble and the Cuban choir VeritasAme. Inspired by Florentina Zulueta, born Tolo-Ño, a woman taken from West Africa and enslaved in Cuba, the work confronts the repeated erasure of her name and identity through a story of loss, resilience, and dignity.
Cuba-born pianist and composer Villafranca follows his 2023 Standing by the Crossroads and the Grammy-nominated album CINQUE with this large-scale new work.
Frederick P. Rose Hall is a striking venue designed specifically for jazz, featuring three distinct performance spaces including the grand Rose Theater, the panoramic Appel Room with views of Central Park, and the intimate Dizzy's Club where you can enjoy live jazz alongside dining. The hall offers a blend of concert experiences from large orchestral performances to close-up sets, with ticketed shows that benefit from advance purchase. The venue balances attentive listening with a social vibe, supported by a full bar and dining options in Dizzy's Club. Its modern architecture and spacious atrium create a sense of openness, while the acoustics ensure clarity from front to back. An evening here promises world-class musicianship in a setting that honors jazz's rich history and ongoing evolution.