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.
Segovia and his Disciples
August 3, 2025
Andrés Segovia is considered one of the greatest modern guitarists. His style and techniques have elevated the classical guitar to new heights.
Chamber Music by Enrique Granados
July 27, 2025
Fiesta presents gorgeous chamber music by Spanish composer Enrique Granados, mostly known for his marvelous piano work. We’ll focus on Grandos’ music for duo, trios and quintets!
The Latin Side of the Beatles
July 20, 2025
Cuban guitar player Manuel Barrueco fronts the London Symphony Orchestra and Carlos Barbosa-Lima and the Havana String Quartet pay tribute to the influence of the Beatles through a work titled Beatlerianas, by Cuban composer Leo Brouwer.
Diaspora
July 13, 2025
Elbio Barilari introduces Fiesta’s listeners to orchestral works highlighting the plight of immigrants from Latin America. With music by Cuban, Puerto Rican and Uruguayan composers who now reside in the USA: Roberto Sierra, Paquito D’ Rivera, and Elbio’s own work titled Immigrant Music.
The Music of José Pablo Moncayo
July 6, 2025
The author of the very popular Huapango, which is considered by many to be the second Mexican national anthem. Moncayo composed several symphonic and chamber pieces of great beauty and grandeur. Fiesta pays tribute to this giant of the 20th century music.
18th Century Latino Jewels
June 29, 2025
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. We will share music from Bolivia, Brazil, and Mexico.
Ricardo Castro Mexican Composer and Pioneer
June 22, 2025
Nineteenth-century composer and pianist Ricardo Castro toured and taught everywhere from Mexico to New York to Leipzig. His music embodied the sound and feel of the Romantic era in Mexico.
19th Century Orchestral Music from Brazil
June 15, 2025
The jewels of Brazilian music include several brilliant 19th century composers. On this Fiesta we will showcase some very charming compositions by Leopoldo Miguez, Carlos Gomez, Alexandre Levy, and Alberto Nepomuceno.
Brazilian Composer Paulo Bellinati
June 8, 2025
Paulo Bellinati, virtuoso guitar player and composer, has dedicated his career to the music for his instrument, as a soloist and in different combinations. Fiesta presents a selection of his guitar music, including his very colorful Concierto Caboclo.
Constantino Gaito: An Argentine Post Romantic Genius
June 1, 2025
This overlooked postromantic composer was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1878, Gaito went to study in Napoli, Italy. There he was encouraged and supported by Verdi, who championed his music. He composed beautifully crafted chamber and orchestral music as well as eleven operas. Host Elbio Barilari, shares some of his favorite works by this amazing composer.
Leo Brouwer: A Living Master
May 25, 2025
Since the late 1950s, Leo Brouwer has single handedly changed the history of the guitar and he continues producing gorgeous music for the instrument as well as chamber and symphonic music. We will hear his monumental work for guitar duo and orchestra The Book of Signs.
Symphonic Poems from Venezuela and Mexico
May 18, 2025
Fiesta celebrates the symphonic poem with a selection of music by Venezuelan composers Juan Bautista Plaza and Evencio Castellanos and Mexican composers Ricardo Castro and José Pablo Moncayo.
Living Composers from Mexico
May 11, 2025
Fiesta presents a selection of delightful pieces by living Mexican composers including flute and guitar works by María Granillo and Juanra Urrusti and compositions by Julio César Oliva and Diana Syrse.
Paquito D’Rivera
May 4, 2025
Join us for a program on the great jazz and classical musician Paquito D’Rivera. We will hear his own compositions, including his gorgeous orchestral piece “The Elephant and the Clown” and his “Saxophone Quartet”.
String Music by Living Latin American Composers
April 27, 2025
Elbio delves into recent works written for string instruments by living composers. We will hear compositions by the Chilean Eduardo Gamboa and Mexicans Francisco Cortés Álvarez, and Eduardo Angulo.
Easter Celebration
April 20, 2025
The celebration of Easter has a strong musical tradition in both Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula. Fiesta highlights this deep and fresh water well of music from different latitudes. Featuring Colonial Music from South America as well as Spain!
Guitar Music from Argentina
April 13, 2025
Fiesta presents original compositions for guitar by Argentine musicians from different generations. We will hear works from the 19th century composer Julián Aguirre to the present day. Featuring guitar music by Angel Lasala, Máximo Diego Pujol, Astor Piazzolla and more.
Four Latin American Composers We Need to Know Better
April 6, 2025
Host Elbio Barilari shares music of four composers we all need to know better: the Argentine Constantino Gaito, Chilean Luis Saglie, Mexican Jose Elizondo and Cuban Joaquin Nin. Four composers, who will stay with you after you hear their beautiful and energetic music.
The Orchestral World of Astor Piazzolla
March 30, 2025
Astor Piazzolla is world-famous for revolutionizing the field of nuevo tango, where he integrated jazz and classical elements into the traditional tango form. But he also composed many purely classical works, which we will share in this program.
Fiesta of the Guitar
March 23, 2025
This week, Elbio invites you to a Fiesta of the Guitar, celebrating a wide range of Latin-American guitar music. We explore the thriving crossover of classical style and popular folk and cultural themes, an intersection which has a rich history and continuing tradition of innovative guitar music.