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.
Two Spanish Women Composers: Rosa García Ascot and Matilde Salvador
October 25, 2026, 8:00 pm
Two unsung composers from the early 20th century.
Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar
February 26, 2022
Fiesta pays tribute to one of the most famous and important symphonies in the world.
Fresh Ink 2022
February 19, 2022
Classical music in the 20th and 21st century has had a strong presence throughout Latin America. Host Elbio Barilari shares some interesting works coming out of Latin America in the past decade, including Mexican composers Gabriela Ortiz and Leonardo Coral and sharing with the audience his own awarded piano piece “Toccata Gaucha”.
Constantino Gaito: An Argentine Post Romantic Genius
February 12, 2022
This overlooked postromantic composer was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1878, Gaito went to study in Napoli, Italy. There he was encouraged and supported by Verdi, who championed his music. He composed beautifully crafted chamber and orchestral music as well as eleven operas. Host Elbio Barilari, shares some of his favorite works by this amazing composer.
Paquito D’Rivera
February 5, 2022
This Cuban‐American clarinet and saxophone player, winner of 12 Grammys, is also a very exciting composer of chamber and orchestra music. Join us for this program on Paquito D’Rivera’s compositions, including his gorgeous orchestral piece “The Elephant and the Clown” and his “Saxophone Quartet”.
Rhythms of South America
January 29, 2022
Fiesta explores the many rhythms and beats of South America.
String Quartets of Latin America
January 22, 2022
This program showcases music for string quartet in different combinations and forms. We will highlight some of Latin America’s most important and influential composers. Enjoy the vitality and beauty of these rarely heard Latin American quartet string music.
Four Latin American Composers We Need to Know Better
January 15, 2022
Host Elbio Barilari shares music of four composers we all need to know better: the Argentine Constantino Gaito, Chilean Luis Saglie, Mexican Jose Elizondo and Cuban Joaquin Nin. Four composers, who will stay with you after you hear their beautiful and energetic music.
Tania León, Cuban-American Composer
January 8, 2022
Tania León has a very diverse background, born in Cuba; she has French, Spanish, Chinese and African ancestors. León has lived in the US since 1967 and has become one of the foremost living American composers whose always finds a way to reflect her Cuban musical roots.
Martha Argerich: Argentine Piano Master
January 1, 2022
One of the greatest living pianists, Martha Argerich’s career has brought her from Argentina to around the world. Fiesta pays tribute to this piano master with highlights from her long and fruitful career, including performances of the giants of Latin American classical music.
Latin American Christmas Carols
December 25, 2021
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.
The Great Sounds of Roberto Sierra
December 18, 2021
Puerto Rican, Roberto Sierra is one of the most important living composers of contemporary classical music. Sierra’s work draws from the 20th century avant-garde music and the 19th century romantic traditions alike and synthesized his European and Latino influences.
Latin American Saxophone
December 11, 2021
Though it is not the most prominent instrument in classical music, the saxophone is versatile and powerful. And many Latin American composers have shown their love for this instrument, including Heitor Villa-Lobos, Paquito D’Rivera, and Roberto Sierra.
Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México
December 4, 2021
Founded by conductor Enrique Bátiz in 1971 the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México or the Symphony Orchestra of the State of Mexico is one of the most important orchestras in the world.
The Orchestral World of Astor Piazzolla
November 27, 2021
Astor Piazzolla is world-famous for revolutionizing the field of nuevo tango, where he integrated jazz and classical elements into the traditional tango form. But he also composed many purely classical works, which we will share in this program.
Fresh Ink 2021
November 20, 2021
Classical music has had a strong presence throughout Latin Americain the 20th and 21st centuries. Host Elbio Barilari shares some of the most interesting and beautiful music to come out of Latin America in the past decade, including Esteban Benzecry’s Clarinet Concerto and Gabriella Ortiz’s Estudios entre preludios.
Latin American Chamber Festival
November 13, 2021
Host Elbio Barilari creates the perfect Latin American Chamber Festival just for you. We will hear some of his favorite chamber works including Mexican Carlos Chavez’s Madrigal and Brazilian Breno Brauth’s Violin Sonata.
Día de los Muertos-Day of the Dead
November 6, 2021
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, has inspired music in the Latin America culture throughout history. Often confused with Halloween in America, the Day of the Dead is about honoring and paying tribute to one’s ancestors. On this episode of Fiesta, we will explore music that celebrates the many facets of this holiday.
Fiesta of the Guitar
October 30, 2021
This week, Elbio invites you to a Fiesta of the Guitar, celebrating a wide range of Latin-American guitar music. We explore the thriving crossover of classical style and popular folk and cultural themes, an intersection which has a rich history and continuing tradition of innovative guitar music.
Orchestral Music of Camargo Guarnieri
October 23, 2021
We explore the wide range of orchestral sounds of 20th-century Brazilian composer Camargo Guarnieri, including his Piano Concerto No. 3 and his Symphony No. 6.
The Eclectic Collective
October 16, 2021
Latin American classical music has taken on many different forms and incorporates many different styles. On this program Fiesta, host Elbio Barilari will pick music reflecting the many eclectic styles of classical music that have come out of Latin America. Including music by the Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, Brazilian composer Dorival Caymmi, and Mexican composer Melesio Morales.