Sundays at 8:00 pm
Exploring the diverse traditions of Latin American and Iberian music
Devoted to showcasing Latin American and Iberian music from the 16th century to today, Fiesta brings creatively and historically significant compositions and artists to audiences. Acclaimed composer, musician, and professor Elbio Barilari is your guide on this adventure through a rich musical landscape. Enjoy and learn about the lively, compelling, and seldom-heard treasures of Latin American and Spanish classical music from around the world.
Venezuelan Composer Antonio Estévez
November 15, 2026, 8:00 pm
Antonio Estévez was a Venezuelan composer and conductor. He is the author of the “Cantata Criolla”, the most famous work of the nationalistic Venezuelan music and the most frequently performed composer of his country. We will hear that works as well as some hidden gems of this great composer.
Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead
November 1, 2026
Often confused with Halloween in America, the Day of the Dead is about honoring and paying tribute to ancestors. On this episode of Fiesta, we will delve into music that celebrates the many facets of this holiday.
Two Spanish Women Composers: Rosa García Ascot and Matilde Salvador
October 25, 2026
Two unsung composers from the early 20th century.
Romantic Nationalism
October 18, 2026
Combining the techniques of 19th-century western music with the regional and national flavor.
Sonic Chemistry
October 11, 2026
Fiesta’s host Elbio Barilari picks a series of pieces with a particular sonic chemistry, including music by Cuban Paquito D’Rivera, Brazilians Radames Gnattalli and Heitor Villa-Lobos and Mexican Federico Ibarra.
Cuban Composer Julián Orbón
October 4, 2026
Born in Spain, Julián Orbón lived and composed in Spain, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States of America. Aaron Copland referred to Orbón as “Cuba’s most gifted composer of his generation.” We will share some of his most beloved music including his Preludio and Danza for guitar.
Cello and Piano: Carlos Prieto and Edison Quintana
September 27, 2026
For many decades, Mexican cellist Carlos Prieto and Uruguayan pianist Edison Quintana have been one of the greatest chambers duo in the world. On this episode of Fiesta we will share Latin American and Spanish music recorded by these two masters.
The Great Alberto Ginastera
September 20, 2026
One of the greatest 20th century composers, Alberto Ginastera weaved Latin American musical idioms into his music seamlessly. Fiesta will look at the maestro’s incredible catalog and share some of Elbio Barilari’s favorite recordings of Ginastera.
Music for Don Quixote
September 13, 2026
The most famous fiction novel in history. Don Quixote has inspired many composers inside and outside of the Spanish speaking world. In this episode of Fiesta, we present Spanish and Latin American composers celebrating this monumental work by Migue de Cervantes.
Women Composers from Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil
September 6, 2026
Fiesta presents a full-scale string quartet by the iconic Venezuelan musician Teresa Carreño as well as pieces by living composers María Granillo and Marcela Rodríguez, from México, and Marisa Rezende, from Brazil.
The Latin Side of Daniel Barenboim
August 30, 2026
From Manuel de Falla to Astor Piazzolla, Isaac Albéniz to Alberto Ginastera and Heitor Villa-Lobos. Conductor and musician Daniel Barenboim has a long history and love for Spanish and Latin American music. On this Fiesta, we will share some of our favorite recordings of the maestro both as a performer and conductor.
Travels to Sepharad
August 23, 2026
Sefarad is the name the Spanish Jews gave to that land, thence their denomination as Sephardic people. Expelled from Spain alongside the Muslims, their culture, and their language, the Ladino, has been preserved in Northern Africa, Greece, Turkey and the Netherlands.
Chamber Music by Heitor Villa-Lobos
August 16, 2026
Known mostly for his orchestral, vocal and guitar music. Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos also composed gorgeous chamber music. Including string quartets and duo works with piano, Fiesta will presents a selection some of his often overlooked gems.
The Turinas: A Family Affair
August 9, 2026
The well-known Spanish composer Joaquín Turina is also the grandfather of another fine musician, the living composer José Luis Turina. “Fiesta” presents a selection of music coming from these two generations of the Turina family.
Brazil: Baroque to Classical
August 2, 2026
During its colonial times, Brazil was a very wealthy area of the Portuguese empire. And supported a very fruitful musical scene. Fiesta presents music composed in Brazil during the 18th and 19th centuries by composers such as Luis Alvares Pinto, José Mauricio Nunes García and Sigismund von Neukomm.
Peruvian Composer Celso Garrido-Lecca
July 26, 2026
The music of 20th century Peruvian composer Celso Garrido-Lecca is shared on this program. After studying in Peru and Chile Celso was awarded a scholarship to study with Aaron Copland in Tanglewood. We will hear about his fascinating life as well as his music including this double string quartet and bass work “Antaras”.
Fiesta CD Grab Bag
July 19, 2026
We are having a ball trying to keep up with our ever-expanding musical collection as composers and performers around the world joyously overwhelm us with their creations. We’re consistently amazed by their level of talent and artistry, and are thrilled this week to share their music with our listeners.
Baroque Music from Spain and the New World
July 12, 2026
Exploring the strong connections between Spanish (and European) music from the past and Spanish and Latin American folk music.
Guitar, Piano and Orchestral Music from Colombia
July 5, 2026
We’ll hear a selection of Colombian music by composer and guitar virtuoso Gentil Montaña and by living composers Amparo Ángel, was of the most prominent women composers on the continent, and by 102-year-old composer Luis Carlos Figueroa.
A Transatlantic Concert
June 28, 2026
We invite you to enjoy another imaginary concert starting with a gorgeous Spanish overture by Evaristo Fernández Blanco, followed by a delightful Brazilian guitar concerto by Radamés Gnattali and a magnificent Mexican symphonic suite by Silvestre Revueltas