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.
Cuban Composer Julián Orbón
October 4, 2026, 8:00 pm
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.
Sonic Chemistry
October 11, 2026, 8:00 pm
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.
Easter Celebration
April 8, 2023
Latin America has developed its own and strong Easter musical traditions. Fiesta pay visits to this deep and fresh water well of pieces and songs from different latitudes. Featuring Colonial Music from South America as well as Spain!
Cello and Piano: Carlos Prieto and Edison Quintana
April 1, 2023
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
March 25, 2023
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.
Choral Music of Latin America
March 18, 2023
From European traditions to the native cultures, choral music has always been a part of Latin America’s musical identity. Fiesta will highlight some of the great Latino composers of this art form.
The Latin Side of Daniel Barenboim
March 11, 2023
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.
Leo Brouwer Revisited
March 4, 2023
Cuban composer Leo Brouwer single-handedly sparked a new renaissance of classical guitar and its repertoire.
Afro-Latin American Music
February 25, 2023
It is impossible to understand Latin American culture without learning about the huge impact of its African roots. The traditions, culture and music are a very important part of Latin American (and US) history. “Fiesta” presents music reflecting on this experience by Brazilian composer Francisco Mignone and Cuban composer Amadeo Roldán.
Celebrating Women Composers of Latin America
February 18, 2023
Fiesta recognizes a great number of exciting and phenomenal women composers. Among them Gisela Hernández (Cuba), Modesta Bor, María Luisa Escobar & Adina Izarra (Venezuela) and María Granillo (Mexico).
Travels to Sepharad
February 11, 2023
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.
Great Brazilian Pianists
February 4, 2023
Brazil has always had a strong tradition of great pianists. On this program, Fiesta features some of the most accomplished Brazilian pianists, among them Nelson Freire, Caio Pagano, Arnaldo Estrella and Arthur Moreira Lima.
Great Guitar Players: Alvaro Pierri
January 28, 2023
Coming from a family of guitar players and guitar teachers, Alvaro Pierri is one of today’s most prestigious classical guitarists. We’ll listen to some guitar solo pieces as well as Alvaro with different instrumental ensembles.
Claudio Santoro: Two Compositions
January 21, 2023
Fiesta presents two masterpieces by Brazilian composer Claudio Santoro. His beautiful Sonata No. 4 for Violin and Piano and his monumental Symphony No. 5.
Chamber Music by Heitor Villa-Lobos
January 14, 2023
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.
Peruvian Composer Celso Garrido-Lecca
January 7, 2023
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
December 31, 2022
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.
Latin American Christmas Carols
December 24, 2022
A selection of villancicos, Christmas carols from Spain and Latin America, is featured on this Christmas-themed program from Fiesta. Join us for music that spans several centuries and a great diversity of influences and traditions.
Baroque Music from Spain and the New World
December 17, 2022
Exploring the strong connections between Spanish (and European) music from the past and Spanish and Latin American folk music.
Tomás Bretón: Spanish Symphonist
December 10, 2022
Few Spanish symphonies, if any, have found their place within the standard repertoire, a strange phenomenon, considering the richness and depth of the existing repertoire in this field. On this program we share the music of Tomás Bretón, a composer known for his zarzuela theatrical productions as well as being a master symphonist.
Romantic Nationalism
December 3, 2022
During the late 19th century and early 20th century, many Latin American composers wrote pieces in a romantic and nationalistic style, combining the techniques of 19th century western music with the flavor of rhythms and melodies of their countries. Fiesta explores that fascinating musical period.
Two Concerti by Manuel Ponce and Almeida Prado
November 26, 2022
We share two great concertos by some of the greatest composers of Latin America. The Mexican Manuel Ponce and the Brazilian Almeida Prado. Host Elbio Barilari will share insights on these composers as well as their great music.