Saturdays at 7:00 pm
Explore the diverse traditions of Latin American and Iberian music.
Fiesta is a weekly classical music program devoted to Latin American and Iberian music from the 16th to 21st century, and brings artistically and historically significant compositions and artists to its listeners. Acclaimed composer, musician, and professor Elbio Barilari is your guide on this adventure through a rich musical landscape. We invite you to enjoy and learn about the lively, compelling, and rarely-heard treasures of Latino classical music from around the world. Interviews with composers, conductors, and musicians enrich the music. Previous guests on Fiesta have included Eduardo Fernández, Carlos Kalmar, Piotr Nawrot, and José Serebrier.
Latino Soundscapes
The amazing and contrasting landscapes of Latin America have been reflected by some of the most brilliant composers of Latin America.
Music from the Basque Country
Join us for music from this region of Spain with a rich history of great composers.
Hidden Musical Treasures from the New World
Colonial Latin American music is one of hidden treasures of classical music. Fiesta opens the vault sharing baroque and classical music that is as powerful and beautiful as what was coming from Europe at the time.
Segovia and his Disciples
Andrés Segovia is considered one of the greatest modern guitarists. His style and techniques have elevated the classical guitar to new heights.
Two Symphonies from Latin America
Host, Elbio Barilari, shares some of the treasures of Latin American symphonies from the 19th and 20th century.
LISTEN | How Latin-American composers influenced Leonard Bernstein
Fiesta celebrates the centenary of Leonard Bernstein's birth with a look at the maestro's love for Latin American music.
Fresh Music from Latin America
Host, Elbio Barilari, share some of his favorite works from living Latin American composers.
Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar
Fiesta pays tribute to one of the most famous and important symphonies in the world.
Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons”
The “Four Seasons in Buenos Aires”, by Astor Piazzolla, has become one of the most popular contemporary pieces, both, for tango music and classical music.
Spanish Symphonies
Few Spanish symphonies, if any, have found its place within the standard repertoire.
Darwin Noguera: Pianist and Composer
Elbio Barilari sits down with accomplished Nicaraguan pianist and composer Darwin Noguera, and he performs for us at the WFMT Studios.
Martha Argerich: Argentine Piano Master
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 and her long and fruitful career, including her performances of the giants of Latin American classical music.
From Piazzolla to Pelé, Music for the World Cup
Soccer (or fútbol, as it is called in Spanish) constitutes an important element of Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese identity. Several composers, classical and popular, have dedicated memorable works to this sport and its emotions and feats.
Sonatas from Latin America
The sonata is a musical term in use for almost four centuries. Latin American composers have also cultivated this venerable form. And on this program,Fiesta features an extravaganza of Latino sonatas, including music from Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina.
Latin American Saxophone
Though it is not the most prominent instrument in classical music, the saxophone is versatile and powerful.
The Latino Concert Hall
Join host, Elbio Barilari as he takes you on a musical tour of Latin American and Iberican concert music. Featuring some of the greatest music written for the concert hall including the music of Heitor Villa-Lobos, Federico Moreno Torroba, and Manuel de Falla.
Spanish works for the piano performed by Spanish pianists
The romantic quality of Spain is embedded in many of the compositions to come out of the country, especially for the piano. Host, Elbio Barilari chooses some of the greatest piano music from Spain and we feature three great Spanish pianists.
Opera Heroes
Today a footnote in a history full, mostly, of Italian, German and French names, there were Latin American composers that were considered mega-stars in the opera houses of the 19th century: Mexican Melesio Morales and Brazilian Antônio Carlos Gomes.
Best of the 2017 Chicago Latino Music Festival, Part 2
Fiesta continues its look into the 12th annual Chicago Latino Music Festival.
