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.
The player below includes a continuous three hour loop of the most recent Fiesta episodes to be joined in progress.
Sephardic Music in both sides of the Atlantic
The songs of the Sephardic Jewish community from Spain that the Spanish monarchy banished from their country along with the Muslims, survives along the Mediterranean coasts as well as in Latin America. Fiesta explores this valuable tradition of exile, longing and intolerance.
Roberto Sierra: Composer
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.
A New Visit to the Baroque Music of Latin America
Fiesta continues exploring the infinite wealth of Latin American colonial music, from Mexico to Brazil. We’ll hear performances by Cappella Mediterranea, Ex Cathedra, and Ensemble Villancico.
A Tribute to León Biriotti
The great Uruguayan composer, conductor, and oboist passed away in late 2020. We celebrated the life and music of this great South American musical icon. Elbio Barilari will share stories of his life and career as well as some of his most beautiful music.
Duos and Trios
Latin American is an inexhaustible well of chamber music. Fiesta’s host Elbio Barilari, will guide you on this fascinating sonic tour. Featuring ensembles of 2s and 3s.
Esta Tierra Es Mi Tierra: Latino Composers Reflect on the American Experience
Both, US born Latino composers and composers that migrated from Latin America have written music reflecting the American experience in all its nuances.
Miguel Del Águila: Uruguayan-American Composer
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.
Padre Antonio Soler
Antonio Soler was a very prominent Spanish composer that links the late baroque and early classical periods. Fiesta will feature his chamber music as well as his newly recorded music for the harpsichord.
Celebration of Latin American Women Composers
Fiesta pays tribute to the many female composers of Latin America.
Colonial Music in Latin America
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.
Spain and Latin America on Six-Strings
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.
Latin American Piano from Three Centuries
Latin American composers from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries have developed an amazing and beautiful catalogue. Fiesta presents a selection of some of the greatest Latin American piano music from the past 300 years. With works by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Manuel Ponce, and Samuel Zyman.
Another Imaginary Concert
This time Fiesta’s imaginary concert features the beautiful and rarely heard classical Symphony No.4 by Spanish composer Miguel Marqués as well as an overture. We also have some surprises you will not want to miss.
Claudio Santoro, Brazilian Composer
Claudio Santoro (1919‐1989) was a prominent Brazilian composer and educator from the generation after Heitor Villa‐Lobos. Santoro combines amazing musical wisdom and technique with a gift to create powerful melodies. Listen to one of the best-kept secrets of 20th century music: Claudio Santoro.
Mexican Soundscapes
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.
Florencio Asenjo: Composer and Mathematician
Argentinan Florencio Asenjo came to the US in 1958 to work as a mathematician at Georgetown University. He was on the cutting edge of mathematical research and at the same time he composed very personal and striking music. Join us as host Elbio Barilari revisits the work of this Latin American genius.
Tomás Luis de Victoria: 16th Century Spanish Composer
Tomás Luis de Victoria is considered one of the top European composers of the 16th century. His music shows a remarkable sense of tonal contrast, foreshadowing the tonality of the Baroque era. Fiesta will share some of his beautiful music including the “Cum beatus Ignatius” as well as insight on his fascinating life.
A Fresh Look to the Brazilian Piano
Brazilian composers and pianists have established a long, solid and brilliant tradition. On this program Fiesta revisits the fascinating world of the Brazilian piano music. Including works by Mozart Camargo Guarnieri, Heitor Villa‐Lobos, Alexandre Levy and Oscar Lorenzo Fernández.
Spanish Medieval Music
A visit to the very famous 12th century Codex Calixtinus, the 13th century Martin Codex and the hypnotic sounds of early instrumental music.
Celebrating Agustín Barrios
Let’s enjoy together the legacy of this pioneer of the Latin America classical guitar. Along with Andrés Segovia, Barrios was instrumental in bringing the guitar to the concert hall. We’ll share some of his most popular works as well as some rare gems.
