Catalan composer Marcos Fernández-Barrero wrote this energetic, vibrant short orchestral work in honor of the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth in 2018. Borrowing the title of one of the most famous songs from West Side Story, Fernández-Barrero brought together the two elements that were united in Bernstein’s musical: the dynamism of New York City and the rhythms of Latin America.
In a brief interview given at the time of the premiere, the composer noted the importance of the guitar in his orchestra, as well as the large percussion battery including finger-snapping (as in West Side Story!). He described it as a kind of “Latin fiesta” for orchestra that will, hopefully, make listeners want to dance!