The Heartbeat of Cuba with Monte Cimarrón

Monte Cimarrón - Cuban Quartet:
Voice, Saxophone/Clarinet, Piano, Double Bass

Monte Cimarrón breathes new life into the traditional sounds of Son Cubano, drawing inspiration from legends like Miguel Matamoros, Compay Segundo, Ñico Saquito, and Eliades Ochoa.

With a fresh and innovative twist, the ensemble replaces the traditional trumpet with the clarinet, creating a softer, more refreshing sound for the timeless rhythms and melodies of Cuban music. Infused with modern harmonies and vibrant energy, Monte Cimarrón preserves the essence of Cuba’s musical heritage while offering a dynamic experience for the audience.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heartbeat of Cuba, brought to life in this magical open-air setting!

Concerts are presented at 5pm and 6:30pm. This event will take place at the Rectory inside the Atrium.

This is one of many programs being offered in the 2024-2025 season.

Please note: Seating will be assigned by the presenters.

Tickets are non-refundable.

Classical Movements has a small fund to offer limited discounted tickets to veterans, students, underprivileged families, and disabled concert-goers, with the generous support of John H. Hart. Please contact us for more information.

For ticket requests and wheelchair accessibility; please contact [email protected] or call (703) 683-6040, ext. 1005 for special accommodations.

Tickets and seating assignments will be communicated by email the day prior the concert. All seats have a clear view of the stage.

Monte Cimarrón brings to life the soul of traditional Cuban music, drawing inspiration from the legendary sounds of Miguel Matamoros, Compay Segundo, Ñico Saquito, and Eliades Ochoa. Our music preserves the unmistakable rhythm of these iconic composers, while weaving in modern harmonies that give freshness and energy to every note. By replacing the trumpet with the clarinet, Monte Cimarrón creates a softer, refreshing, and undeniably innovative sound, an experience that redefines Son Cubano for today's audiences. https://www.montecimarron.net/about

Manuel “Memo” Pelayo: A virtuoso musician with global reach

Born in the vibrant city of Holguín, Cuba, Manuel “Memo” Pelayo is a true master of his art, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist whose talent knows no bounds. Whether on the saxophone, clarinet, flute, piano, congas or maracas, Memo’s ability to switch between instruments showcases his unparalleled versatility. But he’s not just a musician; he’s a celebrated composer, arranger, singer and music producer whose work resonates across genres and continents.

Alfredo Copello "El Guajiro": The Moving Voice of Santiago de Cuba

Alfredo Copello, affectionately known as “El Guajiro,” is a vital force in the Monte Cimarrón project, bringing his deep connection to the musical traditions of Santiago de Cuba to every performance. Born into a legacy of Cuban music, Alfredo is a talented singer, songwriter, and expert on maracas and güiro. His early musical journey was guided by his father, a renowned singer of the legendary Orfeón and Tropicana of Santiago de Cuba, who was his mentor and inspiration.

About the Rectory

Built in 1785 and the home of Classical Movements’ offices since 2014, the building formerly served as the rectory of the nearby historic Christ Church, once the church of George Washington. Since then, it has been owned by several distinguished Virginians and has been a commercial space since the 1960’s.

Located in the heart of beautiful Old Town Alexandria at 711 Princess Street, the Rectory is minutes away from the shops and restaurants of bustling King Street and is easily accessible by bus and metro.

Classical Movements will provide more information about alternative forms of transportation to access The Rectory on Princess Street, 711 Princess St by email before the event. You can also go to https://www.alexandriava.gov/GOAlex for more information about available options. We encourage all patrons to park off-street through the provision of nearby garages or lots. Many parking garages and lots are located conveniently in the area. There is a parking garage at N. Alfred St Garage, 117 N. Alfred St, $5/hr ($25 daily max, $10 evening max) and a surface parking lot at Cameron/St Asaph Lot, 517 Cameron St, $2.50/hour ($10 daily max, $5 evening/weekend max). Visitors are encouraged to bike, walk or take the Metrorail Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Station and take the free King Street Trolley, or DASH or Metro buses. For DASH schedule information visit, www.dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, visit www.wmata.com. Bicyclists may visit www.alexandriava.gov/GOAlex for the City’s Bikeways Map, which features the City's best on-street and off-road bikeways, as well as locations of grouped bicycle parking.

We discourage you from using on-street parking. To ensure legal parking, read all posted signs before parking.

Limited off-street private parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis at the following locations:

Classical Movements, 711 Princess Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Fitness Together Alexandria’s main entrance, 300 N Washington Street building, Alexandria, VA 22314

Seasons Culinary Services, 715 Princess Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Secret Garden at the Rectory, 711 Princess Street, Alexandria, United States