Zumix Youths to Play with BLO at Hatch Shell

By John Lynds

The East Boston band founded by four Zumix teens that recently released their first studio album will be performing before thousands of music fans tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 9) at 7 p.m. at the Hatch Shell.

The band Wild Painting, who released their first EP ‘Emotions’ two weeks ago will take part in the Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s (BLO) ‘Anthems of the World’ concert. Wild Painting’s Angelina Botticelli, Mario Duenas, Mario Jarjour and Juan Gutierrez have been working with BLO composer Gonzalo Grau over the past year to create an original piece of music that will have its world premier with the BLO Wednesday night.

“Our collaboration with Zumix has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding partnerships of many for our Orchestra,” said BLO’s Jo Frances Meyer. “Thanks to the amazing leadership of Madeleine (Steczynski) and Jenny (Shulman) and the talent and dedication of the Zumix students, we are able to create new orchestral works of not only artistic excellence but of deep relevance to the lives of the young Zumix composers and their communities.”

The band described the music as a blend of rock with elements of classical music.

“By bringing a professional composer and youth together, tasking them to create a piece of music, and providing them with all the tools they might need, we have created an environment ripe for true innovation,” said Shulman, Zumix’s Director of Operations. “This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to not only participate in the creation of new music, but to also give our youth the incredible experience of working with a professional composer and performing alongside a full symphonic orchestra.”

Wild Painting, with Botticelli on vocals and keyboards, Duenas on guitar, Gutierrez on bass and Jarjour on drums, released their eight song EP during a CD release party at Zumix last month. The band, which blends elements of indie/synth pop and indie rock into their music, have been playing together for over a year.

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