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.
Brazilian Hidden Treasures
February 15, 2020
For the last 100 years, Brazil has been a musical powerhouse, not just for popular music (samba and bossa nova), but also for its classical composers. Fiesta features some of the best-hidden treasures of Brazilian concert music. Works by Alceo Bocchino, Alexandre Levy and others.
Portuguese Impressionism: António Fragoso
February 8, 2020
If you think Impressionism was only French style of music, wait until you listen to Portuguese composer António Fragoso. He was a favorite of Debussy and in his short life, 1897-1918, he wrote some of the most beautiful music of that era.
Spotlight on New Recordings
February 1, 2020
We receive many new recordings of Spanish and Latin American classical music daily. Host Elbio Barilari picks some of his fresh favorites!
Edino Krieger, Composer
January 25, 2020
Outside his native Brazil, Edino Krieger is known for his substantial work for the piano. But, his symphonic and chamber works are full of imagination and color. Host Elbio Barilari, picks some of his favorite music from this master composer.
Afro-Latin American Music
January 18, 2020
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.
Composer Andrés Gaos
January 11, 2020
Composer Andrés Gaos was born in Galicia, Spain, in 1874, where he studied and reached an early notoriety. At the age of 20 his family migrated to South America. The Gaos lived in Montevideo, Uruguay and finally moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There the he created the very prestigious Gaos Quartet, taught music and worked for the Argentine government in ...
20th Century Masters
January 4, 2020
Latin America has long history of “concert” music that started in the 16th century. However, it is possible to say that the 20th has been THE century of Latin American music. Many of the most intense and valuable musical works of the past century have been written by composers such as Manuel Ponce, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Carlos Chávez, Silvestre Revueltas, Astor ...
Fresh Ink
December 28, 2019
Classical music in the 20th and 21st century has had a strong presence throughout Latin America. Host, Elbio Barilari share some of the most interesting and beautiful music to come out of Latin America in the past decade.
Latin American Christmas Carols
December 21, 2019
A selection of villancicos or Christmas carols from Spain and Latin America are featured on this Christmas themed program from Fiesta. Join us for music that spans several centuries and a great diversity of influences and traditions.
Spanish Music and Visual Arts
December 14, 2019
Spanish composers seem to have a strong predilection for the visual arts. This is not surprising for a country that gave us Diego Velázquez, Goya and Picasso among many other first rate artists. Fiesta explores the connections between Spanish music and visual art.
An Ideal Imaginary Concert
December 7, 2019
Continuing with our series Imaginary Concerts: think that you are attending a symphonic concert in which instead of hearing one of the so-called the “standard concert repertoire”, the orchestra starts with a colorful Latino overture, continues with a fantastic Latino concerto and tops the evening with a full scale Latino symphony.
Woodwinds of Latin America
November 30, 2019
An important part of any orchestra, the woodwinds section is heavily featured in Latin American music. Host, Elbio Barilari shares some of his favorite woodwind music in chamber, solo, and orchestral settings.
Colonial Music in Latin America
November 23, 2019
Early music, the Baroque and Gallant styles were practiced in Latin America by European masters as well as composers born in Mexico, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. On this episode of Fiesta we find more treasures of Colonial Music.
Celebrating Eduardo Fernández
November 18, 2019
With acclaims worldwide, Eduardo Fernandez is one of the greatest living classical guitarists. Fiesta will feature exclusive new tracks from his new album as well as some other Latin American favorites!
In the Spanish Courts of the Hapsburgs and Bourbons
November 9, 2019
Baroque and early classical music reached an amazing development throughout the Spanish Empire. Fiesta will pay visit to some of the most brilliants musicians spanning three centuries.
Día de los Muertos-Day of the Dead
November 2, 2019
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. READ MORE: Honor Día ...
Music for the Ballet
October 26, 2019
Many of the most formidable pieces of the last hundred years have been dedicated to the ballet or modern dance. Latin American music is not the exception. Fiesta will present some of the most beloved, magical and dramatic Latin American works for dance.
The “Unknown” Joaquín Rodrigo
October 19, 2019
Works so successful as “Concierto de Aranjuez” (1939) and “ Fantasía para un Gentilhombre” (1958), both for guitar an orchestra, have somehow obscured the rest of the vast and amazing catalog of compositions by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. On this program, Fiesta’s host, composer Elbio Barilari, explores different areas of Rodrigo’s music.
Romantic Nationalism
October 12, 2019
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.
Violoncello: The Latin American Cello
October 5, 2019
Powerful and beautiful the cello has been an instrument beloved by Latin American composers. On this program, we will share some of the greatest cello music by Latino composers including Francisco Mignone, Carlos Chavez, Carlos Guastavino and Astor Piazzolla.