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.
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.
Best of the 2017 Chicago Latino Music Festival, Part 1
The Chicago Latino Music Festival is one of the largest classical music festivals to feature Latino music.
Blas Galindo: Famous Unknown
Our program focuses on the monumental work of Blas Galindo as a symphonic composer as well as the author of some delicate and delightful chamber pieces.
Musical Treasures from Portugal
Portugal, once one of the mightiest nations in the world, boasts some amazing musical treasures.
La Guitarra
Host, Elbio Barilari, takes you on a journey through the wide range of Latin American guitar music.
Colonial Music from Perú and Brazil
The Viceroyalty of Perú and the Portuguese colonies in Brazil were home to some of the most prominent composers from the colonial period, and yet many of them are still unknown. Fiesta pays tribute these fantastic composers and sheds light on music from over 300 years ago.
Impressions of Nature
Nature has inspired many composer all over the world, including Latin America.
Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México
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 Eclectic Collective
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 has come out of Latin America.
Fiesta’s 5th Anniversary Concert
Celebrating 5 years of Latin American classical radio, Fiesta hosted a special concert in Chicago on October 20th 2017. Featuring Latin American works performed by KAIA String Quartet, guitarist Fareed Haque, and pianist Susan Merdinger.
José Bragato: Musician, Composer, Conductor
Fiesta pays tribute to Italian-born Argentine, José Bragato, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 101. Bragato worked with Astor Piazzolla on his Nuevo tango as well as serving as the principle cellist for the Teatro Colón in Argentina
