The harpsichord sounds, to most ears, as an instrument exclusively related to music from the Baroque period. Spanish and Latin American composers from the 20th century, however, have written many pieces dedicated to the venerable instrument.

Both, US born Latino composers and composers that migrated from Latin America have written music reflecting the American experience in all its nuances. On this episode of Fiesta, we will share music about the immigrants’ journey and life in the United States. And our host, Elbio Barilari, will speak about his own experiences coming to America as well as other Latino composers who have made the US their home. Come celebrate Independence Day with us… Latino style!

In this program of Fiesta we present a luxurious tribute to the most beloved Brazilian popular songs. Featuring the Symphony Orchestra of the State of Sao Paulo and Banda Mantiqueira performing traditional choros and sambas. Among the featured composers are Villa-Lobos, Tom Jobim, Chico Buarque, Pixinguinha and many more. Enjoy this music with no boundaries, where classical and popular music meet each other at the highest possible level.

Natural, urban and human landscapes have inspired composers throughout history. Fiesta features some of the most fascinating postcards from South America. We will feature music from Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil!

The Chicago Latino Music Festival is the biggest on its kind, featuring every year world class performers in a repertoire that goes from the Colonial period to the present and from soloist and chamber music to symphonic works and even opera and ballet. Fiesta showcases a selection of the music heard during the eleven years of the Festival’s history.

While European Baroque music and composers were falling out of fashion and new musical trends came in place, in a remote corner of Bolivia those traditions never died. Listen to original baroque music written by Bolivian composers while Elbio Barilari interviews musicologist Father Piotr Nawrot, one of the custodians of these extraordinary cultural inheritances.

For thousands of years Mexico has been at the forefront of civilization and music in the Americas. Elbio Barilari will be guiding this new excursion south of the border. We will feature music from the 17th to the 21st century.

The birth of “classical” percussion music has a name and a date: Amadeo Roldán, 1930. The seminal “Rítmicas” by this Cuban pioneer inspired Edgar Varèse to write his famous “Ionization” and a whole new musical field was born. Fiesta presents Latin American percussion pieces and works featuring percussion instruments in a prominent role.

“Nocturnes” have been composed since the 18th century. Even before the first “nocturnes” were written, the night and its attributes, like the moon and the stars, have been inspired musicians as well as poets and painters. And these romantic endeavors have continued into the 21st century.

Heitor Villa-Lobos, Carlos Chávez, and Alberto Ginastera are the figureheads at the prow of the Latin American music ship. On this episode of Fiesta we go beyond those giants and feature other Latin American composers that you should know!