Concert association to present harpist and flamenco dancer
The sister team of harpist Anna Maria Mendieta and flamenco dancer Suzanne Mendieta will take center stage for the Ramona Concert Association on Feb. 2.
The evening’s program is sure to please all tastes, with nostalgic Latin melodies, sultry Argentine tangos by Piazzolla, fiery Spanish classical favorites and even some Broadway, said Marlene Robershaw, association president.
Anna Maria Mendieta is a soloist, orchestral musician, recording artist, and teacher. The principal harpist with the Sacramento Philharmonic and the Sacramento Opera, she plays with orchestras and chamber music groups across the country. She began studying the harp at age 7, attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and serves on the faculty of Notre Dame de Namur University.
She has performed for National Hispanic Week in Washington, D.C., and as soloist with Theater Flamenco. She is recognized as a pioneer, performing Argentine Tango music on the harp, and she has appeared on TV, movies, National Public Radio and the Emmy Awards. She has performed with Frank Sinatra Jr., Josh Groban and Barry Manilow, who calls her “my favorite harpist.” She has performed for world leaders, kings and wueens, and presidents of Russia and the U.S.
Suzanne Mendieta, a classically trained dancer in ballet and flamenco, will accompany her sister in many selections. A member of many ballet companies and San Francisco Opera productions, she has been a featured dancer in China, Europe and Spain, where she performed for the 1992 World Expo. She also has appeared in film and on TV.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Charles R. Nunn Performing Arts Center at Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane. The doors will open at 7 p.m. for seating.
Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $5 for children and students.
Those with concert association memberships are admitted with their season tickets.
For more information, call 760-789-7474, email Ramonaconcerts@cox.net or see Ramonaconcerts.com.