‘Birdman’s’ Antonio Sanchez comes to Cincinnati

By: Grant Vance ~Staff Writer~

Photo courtesy of youtube.com | Sánchez earned a degree in classical piano from the National Conservatory, studied at the Berklee College of Music and obtained a scholarship for a Masters in Jazz Improvisation at the New England Conservatory.

Xavier Music Series will cater to fans of 2015 Oscar winner “Birdman: Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance” for its next concert with the arrival of Antonio Sánchez.

Sánchez composed the score for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s award-winning film using his stylistic jazz drumming that created an energetic atmosphere of anxiety.

“Birdman” not only took home four Academy Awards, but also grabbed the winning spot at the Grammy’s for Best Score Soundtrack thanks to Sanchez’s talents.

Sanchez’s ensemble from his album “Migration” will join him for his performance, bringing its swing jazz repertoire to accompany his drums. The ensemble plans to play the entirety of Sánchez’s new album, “The Meridian Suite” for the series. “The Meridian Suite” was released June of last year.

This is an especially interesting entry into the expanding list of talents brought to Xavier for the music series, considering this is the first time it has hosted an award-winning composer so soon after award season.

Sánchez may be in Cincinnati primarily for the music series, but he’s making a few more stops before heading out.

Sanchez’s first stop is his special presentation of “Birdman” with an introduction beforehand at 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 12 at the Esquire Theater. This is followed by his performance for Xavier’s music series at 3 p.m. on Mar. 13 in the Gallagher Student Center Theater. He will also teach a master class at 6 p.m. following the concert, and at 11:30 a.m. on Mar. 14 at the School for Creative & Performing Arts (SCPA).

Sánchez’s drumming was featured in a number of ensembles before he made his way to a leading musician.

Aside from “Migration” and “The Meridian Suite,” his other albums include “Live in New York,” “New Life” and “Three Times Three.”

He’s been playing since the age of five, beginning his professional career at 26 touring with Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nation Orchestra.

Film and music fans alike are in for a treat with the arrival of such an accomplished musician.

Tickets for the Esquire’s presentation of “Birdman” and Xavier’s music series are now available for purchase.

Tickets range in price from $3 to $28 and can be ordered by calling 513-745-3939 or by visiting http://www.xavier.edu/musicseries/.