On August 14 I attended the closing concert of MusicFest Vancouver with a wonderful evening of music entitled World at the Garden – From Cuba to Denmark in a spectacular setting of VanDusen gardens.

Ernán López-Nussa

Cuban pianist Ernán López-Nussa opened the show with his deeply sensitive style of Cuban and Afro-Cuban musical traditions, European classics and contemporary music. Direct from Havana with his Trio, Ernán’s fusion of rhythm and beauty, strength and lyricism, was unforgettable.

Following a short intermission, while the audience purchased cd’s and ate some snacks the stage was reset for the next group.Touché Vocal Jazz

Touché Vocal Jazz is a 14-member a cappella ensemble from Copenhagen that blew the audience away, known for big band-like arrangements, awesome swing and tender ballads. Hot & sweet, cool & lyrical, vocal percussion & smoky voices – Touché embraces the best of jazz styles and arrangements.