The New York Public Library is proud to sponsor Latin American Cultural Week Uptown, in collaboration with pianist Polly Ferman.

The Japan Times has called concert pianist, Polly Ferman, “a musical ambassador to the Americas.” She has played in the big leagues in world-renowned theaters from Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires to Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as performing as a soloist with orchestras in Chicago, San Francisco, Sacramento, Indianapolis, Tokyo, Philippines, Jarkov, and Argentina.

When she launched her career, people would ask her where her native Uruguay was located. It was then she decided to focus her career on performing music rooted in Latin America. This led her to become a musical entrepreneur and to form PAMAR (Pan American Musical Art Research, Inc), in 1984, with a mission  to promote the richness and diversity of Latin American culture. “We have artists of the highest quality,” said Ferman. “What I want to be doing is to give an opportunity to people who don’t have a big umbrella organization.”  

She has also created, directs, and performs in GlamourTango, a unique all-female music and dance show. “This is my beloved project,” she said. “My project is so appropriate for empowering women.  Having taken a musical style like tango and put it in the hands, legs and voices of women makes me complete.” Ferman has taken her tango show to venues around the world. 

As PAMAR grew in its reputation, her goals of sharing Latin American culture began to expand.  “I looked around and noticed there were a lot of cultural festivals throughout the city. There were Ukrainian, Russian and Caribbean festivals. I thought, ‘What about a Latin American cultural week?’”  

In 2006 she used her producing and promoting acumen to launch Latin American Cultural Week presenting established and emerging artists in music, dance, visual arts, literature, theater and film.  “They (the artists) are coming because they know it’s good for their careers.” she said.  I cannot do as much as I would like economically, but I give them a space, the promotion, the credibility. For me this is really important.  It’s knowing that somehow I am helping people in their careers.”

Ferman also felt there was a need to bring cultural events to upper Manhattan. “I realized people go to Brooklyn, Queens, and the East Side of Manhattan to attend events but don’t come to this part of the city," she said. The New York Public Library will sponsor Latin American Cultural Week Uptown, which begins November 3 and will feature a range of music, song, and dance events at the Inwood, Washington Heights and Fort Washington libraries. Says Ferman, "In collaboration with NYPL, I am bringing the best artists including grammy winners, to upper Manhattan."