Fiesta Archives | WFMT

The music written and performed in Spain and Latin America during the Colonial period (16th to early 19th centuries) has become more popular in recent years. However, even before those treasures were rediscovered, several composers from those regions showed their interest in exploring the strong connections between Spanish (and European) music from the past and Spanish and Latin Am

Astor Piazzolla was a composer and a bandoneón player (the tango accordion). However, he loved the guitar, and was an expert writer for it. Fiesta will share some of these great pieces, including the beautiful Double Concerto for Bandoneón and Guitar.

Fiesta pays another visit to the amazing past and present of Portuguese music. Host, Elbio Barilari will share the many hidden musical treasures from this often-overlooked musical country.

Flamenco music from southern Spain has been very influential not just in the music of nationalistic Spanish composers, but also for composers from other countries. Fiesta features three Spanish composers influenced by these Flamenco Soundscapes.

Brazil is, and has been, historically, one of the powerhouses of Latin American music. In this program, Fiesta features a completely imaginary concert of Latin American music covering over two centuries of music. Featuring music by José Mauricio Nunes García, Camargo Guarnieri, and Radamés Gnattali.

Founded in the 1970s, Camerata Punta del Este is a groundbreaking ensemble bridging the gap between classical and popular music. Fiesta’s host, Elbio Barilari, will guide us through the fascinating story of these musicians and play some of his favorite recordings.

Venezuelan Antonio Lauro (1917-1986) is one of most popular Latin American composers for the guitar. Fiesta pays tribute to this Maestro of Venezuelan musical nationalism. We will feature recordings from guitarists Danny Masters, Jesús Castro Balbi, and Miloslav Matoušek.

Together with José Pablo Moncayo’s “Huapango”, Arturo Marquez’s Danzón No.2 has become an unofficial Mexican anthem and has garnered worldwide fame. Fiesta will tell the story behind Marquez’s many danzóns and will feature a chamber work by this amazing composer.

Social struggle and conflict have punctuated the history of Latin America. Art has always been a reflection of a society, and music can be one of the most powerful. On this program, Elbio Barilari presents musical works linked to society and human landscapes.

Host Elbio Barilari shares great Latin American music in the hands, lips, and throats of some of the most gifted Latino interpreters. Included in this program are such artists as Alberto Portugheis, Eduardo Fernández, and Ana María Martínez. Be prepared to be wowed by this exciting set of composers and performers.