THE TABLE SESSIONS: DANIEL DE JESÚS
SHOWTIMES • JUNE 11 @ 7PM | JUNE 12 @ 7PM
BARTRAM’S GARDEN • 5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Enter into an immersive evening of sound and taste curated by cellist/vocalist Daniel de Jesús. The profound emotions of Federico García Lorca's Sonetos de Amor Oscuro — poetry chronicling a forbidden queer love amidst the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War — resonate through Daniel’s passionate interpretation. Cellists Mel Hsu and Carolina Diazgranados join Daniel in the garden to complete the cello trio.
As at all Table Sessions, the art is paired with a delicious meal. With this Session, experience the rich culinary heritage of Granada, Lorca's home, through a curated menu from Chef Cynthia Salamanca featuring dishes that evoke the flavors of Andalusia.
photos by Bryan Karl Lathrop
-
Daniel de Jesús is a composer and songwriter who weaves visual and sonic tapestries with a mesmerizing touch. Drawing from medieval and baroque aesthetics, their art pulsates with vibrant colors and deep symbolism, often inspired by Latin American Baroque themes. With a degree in fine art from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, they exhibit extensively across the Mid-Atlantic region and share insights in published books.
In music, de Jesús crafts dramatic compositions blending tribal beats, ambient soundscapes, and passionate vocals, earning acclaim in Baroque pop and Neo-Goth genres. They've released nine studio albums and collaborate widely with renowned artists and theater companies like David Antonio Cruz, The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, and White Box Theater. Currently, as Music Education and Community Outreach Director for AMLA at Esperanza, they champion Latin music and culture, particularly among youth in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley region.
-
Mel Hsu (she/they) is a sonic painter of impossible worlds. As a multi-instrumentalist, Mel often ventures from her classical roots as a cellist into unexpected, cross-disciplinary collaborations. Rooted in Philadelphia, Mel’s restless spirit finds adventure across time zones and oceans as musical and administrative support for others who inspire them. Mel’s solo soundscape, Letters to the Moon, was a part of the 2023 Table Sessions season. Mel is a spreadsheet nerd, a slow reader, and a shameless instigator of kitchen dance parties. www.melhsu.com
-
Carolina Diazgranados is a dynamic cellist who has performed at venues such as the Mann Center, the Curtis Institute of Music, the Keswick Theater, the Fillmore, and Verizon Hall. Moving fluidly between roles as an orchestral musician, chamber musician, and soloist and has appeared on NPR’s The Moth live show. Carolina is the co-founder and cellist of Bismuth Quartet, an emerging string quartet that takes the medium into new territory through diverse repertoire and collaborations. Carolina has collaborated with a broad range of artists including Jazmine Sullivan, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, Whitney, Japanese Breakfast, and Alex G.
-
Cynthia Salamanca is a talented chef hailing from Puerto Rico who is deeply passionate about the art of gastronomy. With a love for cooking that transcends borders, she continually seeks to explore and master diverse culinary traditions. Cynthia has worked across Philadelphia kitchens, including with fine dining restaurant Steak 48 and catering group Constellations. Her catering business, Sandra’s Kitchen, is named in honor of her mother, a talented chef as well.
In addition to her culinary pursuits, Cynthia dedicates time to community service, actively feeding the homeless and caring for those in need. Her commitment to giving back reflects a deep belief in the power of food to bring people together and uplift communities.