Pop-ssical featuring Denzel Benitez-Ortega & Ozeta

Pop meets classical in this innovative creative residency that invites audiences to embrace new approaches to genre. Experience the crossroads at which classical and contemporary composition finds afro-cuban traditions presented as art song. As the months get colder, the warmth of hospitality and fresh takes on music awaits you at CONTXT by Trane. Two powerhouse composers perform as a lovely duet of mother and son: Denzel Benitez-Ortega — a performing pianist/composer who’s currently studying at the University of Western Ontario in his 3rd year for a Bachelor’s degree in music, honouring in composition. This burgeoning composer focuses on music as storytelling and expanding the audiences palette for more experimental harmonic languages Ozeta — An Afro-Latino immigrant whose music career has kept her grounded and resilient through the challenges of immigration, single parenting, and post-secondary studies. This established singer, songwriter, and producer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, a Master’s degree in Arts, and a PhD in Cultural Studies. Ozeta’s music mixes Afro-Cuban rhythms with funk, pop, bolero, son, samba and other genres. For his particular production, Denzel has rearranged Ozeta’s music within the framework of art songs.