As part of the Bicentenary celebrations of Colombian Independence, the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra performs its impressive new project, Mestizajes. Its most recent concert was at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, in which 80 musicians, under the baton of Ricardo Jaramillo, showed the versatility of the Colombian sound with an unusual blend of folk and symphonic music. The performance was the orchestra's first in America in its 43-year history and demonstrated that Mestizajes can be performed anywhere, indeed similar performances have been given in Europe in the past. Winner of the 2008 Latin Grammy for Best Instrumental Album, the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra, in late 2009, released Mestizajes, in which its orchestral sound blends with that of well-known popular music artists (traditional and modern), such as Aterciopelados, Bahía Trío, Chobquibtown, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Cholo Valderrama, Puerto Candelaria, Grupo Seresta and Totó La Momposina. Conducted by Ricardo Jaramillo Gonzalez, the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra's symphonic/folk fusion is produced by the musician and producer Ivan Benavides. According to Jaramillo, "We are paying tribute to the very best of Colombian folk and presenting traditional music with current national pop and rock artists." According to Benavides, "The record showcases the current music scene in Colombia and brings together singer songwriters, rappers, drummers, rock musicians and tradition and modernity in an unprecedented enriching manner that will help to revitalise our imaginations and make us more conscious of current music." Mestizajes consists of 13 songs, including popular hits such as Jose Barros's cumbia, "El Pescador", Joe Arroyo's joseson, "Rebelión" and Chobquibtown's hip hop, "Somos Pacífico". The Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1967 and its works that come closest to popular culture include Memorias Musicales Colombianas, Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Si, Cantemos Villancicos con la Filarmónica and Kraken Filarmónico.
