In keeping with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's 15 year tradition of excellent music and entertainment, the 2008 Festival Latino will bring together the DSO and Tiempo Libre to present Rumba Sinfónica. Rumba Sinfónica, by composer Ricardo Lorenz, makes a bold statement by allowing Cuban rumba to not only infuse a symphonic work but to also guide its musical content from beginning to end without ever losing its basic features: rhythmic intricacy and melodic plaintiveness. At the same time, Rumba Sinfónica seeks to stay true to the breath of the symphonic repertoire. The challenge and innovative aspect of this project, therefore, is to have these two very different, long-standing traditions come together and join forces at an equal footing. Proceeds from the evening concert will benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Festival Latino Endowment and the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico.

This year's Festival includes: Saturday outdoor festival featuring local performers on the entertainment stage, The Taste of Latin American food exhibit, children's area and local arts and crafts vendors, concluding with the Saturday evening concert with guest artist Tiempo Libre and conductor Germán Gutiérrez. Under the direction of Maestro Germán Gutíerrez, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the impact of Latin culture on classical music bringing together the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Tiempo Libre present Rumba Sinfónica.