El Taller presents Ensamble A Contratiempo, a project of Venezuelan Quartet Ensamble A Contratiempo, a music group combining the sounds of harp, cuatro, bass and percussion. The evening will feature Angel Tolosa (harp), Jose Luis Tolosa (cuatro) and special guest, Jimmy Smith (percussion). A summer tour brings the Tolosa's from Venezuela to New York where they are performing across the city. 

Angel Tolosa was born in Caracas, and is a composer and harpist. Angel began studying the harp at the hand of the Maestro Solomon Villegas, and continued his studies with another master harpist Carlos "Metralleta" Orozco, who has been his greatest musical influence, mentor and teacher. Considered one of the greatest harpists of his generation, Angel's musical training has enabled him to be versatile in his music and venture into genres such as Bossa Nova, Jazz, Bluegrass, and World Music among others. 

Jose Luis Tolosa was born in Caracas, and is a Musician, Composer, Educator, and Venezuelan Cuatrista with a strong and wide knowledge of a variety of techniques and rhythmic styles of the Cuatro. His in depth knowledge is a result of his exploration of diverse sonic tendencies, including adapting and interpreting techniques from other musical instruments via the cuatro. 

Jeremy Smith is a freelance percussionist based in New York City. A recent graduate of The Juilliard School, he is already beginning to establish himself as a versatile performer in many different areas in music.