INTEMPO, an award-winning intercultural music education and youth-development organization, will perform a Cultural Crossover Concert that showcases Afro-Latinx and classical symphonic music in celebration of its diverse students and community. Young musicians from INTEMPO will take center stage at the Norwalk Concert Hall along with members of the Norwalk Youth Symphony and guest artists Bomba Ashe: Roberto & Gloria Cepeda from La Familia Cepeda.

INTEMPO has an innovative approach to youth-development and community integration through intercultural music education. The Cultural Crossover Concert is its signature event that spotlights young musicians and challenges perceptions about how a youth classical-music ensemble looks and sounds.

This year, the concert is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and is part of INTEMPO’s event series focused on the Afro-Latinx music diaspora. It is among 168 projects across America, and one of only four in Connecticut, that was selected by the NEA to receive the 2022 Challenge America grant.

“Having the trust of the National Endowment for the Arts is incredibly meaningful since we share their commitment to artistic excellence and quality intercultural programming,” says Angelica Durrell, INTEMPO Founder and CEO.

“Through the Challenge America grant, INTEMPO is able to make cultural and musical experiences relevant, accessible, and inclusive for our community. We’re excited to return to the live stage to perform for a wide audience, including guests who may be experiencing classical and traditional music at a concert hall for the first time,” Durrell adds.

Pre-concert engagements include: FREE! Interactive Panel: Beyond the Score Wednesday, April 6, 7:00 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom FREE! Afro-Latinx Community Dance and Percussion Workshop Sunday, May 1, 4:30 p.m. | Norwalk City Hall outdoor space

Tickets and registration at www.intempo.org

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from INTEMPO that help support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “INTEMPO is among the organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.”