Saturdays at 7:00 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
June 10, 2023, 7:00 pm
Two unsung composers from the early 20th century.
The “Unknown” Joaquín Rodrigo
June 17, 2023, 7:00 pm
Going beyond “Concierto de Aranjuez” and “Fantasía para un Gentilhombre.”
Music for the Ballet
June 24, 2023, 7:00 pm
Beloved, magical and dramatic Latin American works for dance.
100 Years of ‘La cumparsita’:10 versions of the most popular tango of all time
November 25, 2017
Considered the anthem of tango music and one of the most popular tunes in history, "La Cumparsita" was composed in 1917 by Uruguayan pianist Gerardo Matos Rodríguez.
The “other” Joaquín Rodrigo
November 18, 2017
The tremendous popularity of “Concierto de Aranjuez” has made of Joaquín Rodrigo almost a “one piece composer” or a “composer for the guitar,” which cannot be farther from the truth. In this program Fiesta! reviews vocal, piano and chamber music by this fantastic composer.
Roberto Sierra: Composer
November 11, 2017
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.
100th Anniversary of Lamarque Pons
November 4, 2017
Join Fiesta and guitarist, Eduardo Fernández, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Uruguayan composer and pianist Lamarque Pons.
Folk Music of Latin America
October 28, 2017
On this special edition of Fiesta, host Elbio Barilari, presents some of the most important folk music from Latin America. Featuring music from Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico this program showcases popular music that has transcended many genres.
Chamber Tango
October 21, 2017
Tango was born around 1880 in Buenos Aires and Montevideo as dance music, but by the 1940ʼs it was introduced to the concert hall. Since then tango has inspired many composers to write concert music for this globally popular dance
Miguel Del Águila: Uruguayan-American Composer
October 14, 2017
Host Elbio Barilari, speaks with his fellow countryman Miguel Del Águila about composing music in the 21st century, his early life in Uruguay, and his music output.
Spain and Latin America on Six-Strings
September 30, 2017
Spain and Latin America are the homeland of the guitar. Nurtured by the Spanish inheritance as well as the African sense of rhythm and the Native American melodies, Latin American guitar music has given a treasure of music to the world.
Mexican Soundscapes
September 16, 2017
Together with Brazil and Cuba, Mexico is one of the powerhouses of Latin American music. With roots in the native cultures as well as in the Colonial period, Mexican music shows an extraordinary vitality and a variety of colors and soundscapes.
The Invention of Morel: A New Opera by Stewart Copeland and Jonathan Moore
September 2, 2017
Fiesta's host Elbio Barilari sits down with composer Stewart Copeland (co-founder and drummer of The Police) and librettist/director Jonathan Moore about their world premiere of their new opera The Invention of Morel at Chicago Opera Theater.
Music from Cuba
August 26, 2017
Cuba is, and it has always been since the Colonial period, one of the powerhouses of music in this side of the Atlantic. In this edition of Fiesta we visit (or revisit, in some cases), the music of a handful of Cuban composers born between the 30’s and the 50’s.
Superstring Theory
August 19, 2017
This program of Fiesta showcases music for string quartet and string instruments in different combinations. We will highlight some of Latin America’s most important and influential composers. Enjoy the vitality and beauty of rarely heard Latin American and Spanish string music.
Choros N.10 & N.12 – Masterpieces by Heitor Villa-Lobos
August 12, 2017
Continuing our exploration of Heitor Villa-Lobos’s monumental Choros series. Here we have the Choros N. 10 and N. 12 two of his symphonic tributes to this Brazilian musical style.
Choros N.11 – A Masterpiece by Heitor Villa-Lobos
August 5, 2017
The gargantuan Choros No.11, by Heitor Villa-Lobos is one of the most ambitious works ever written for the combination of piano and orchestra. We will feature this epic work in it’s entirety.
Elbio’s Desert Island Picks
July 22, 2017
If you could only pick an hour of music to listen to the rest of your life, what would it be? Host, Elbio Barilari, will share with us some of his favorite music and composers.
Music from Venezuela
July 15, 2017
Venezuela has a wealth of concert music, from the romantic period and into the 21st century. Fiesta will bring its audience to a musical tour on Venezuelan musical history. From Teresa Carreño to Alfredo Rugeles, we will present over 150 years of rarely heard music.
Modern Harpsichord
July 8, 2017
The harpsichord sounds, to most ears, as an instrument exclusively related to music from the Baroque period. Spanish and Latin American composers from the 20th century, however, have written many pieces dedicated to the venerable instrument.
Esta Tierra Es Mi Tierra: Latino Composers Reflect on the American Experience
July 1, 2017
Both, US born Latino composers and composers that migrated from Latin America have written music reflecting the American experience in all its nuances.
Brazilian Gala
June 24, 2017
In this program of Fiesta we present a luxurious tribute to the most beloved Brazilian popular songs. Featuring the Symphony Orchestra of the State of Sao Paulo and Banda Mantiqueira performing traditional choros and sambas.
Postcards from South America
June 17, 2017
Natural, urban and human landscapes have inspired composers throughout history. Fiesta features some of the most fascinating postcards from South America. We will feature music from Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil!