Latin America has long history of “concert” music that started in the 16th century. However, it is possible to say that the 20th has been THE century of Latin American music. Many of the most intense and valuable musical works of the past century have been written by composers such as Manuel Ponce, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Carlos Chávez, Silvestre Revueltas, Alberto GInastera and Leo Brouwer, among others.

Latin America has developed its own and strong Easter musical traditions. Fiesta pay visits to this deep and fresh water well of pieces and songs from different latitudes. Featuring Colonial Music from South America as well as Spain!

Spanish flamenco music has a rich tradition of blending the music from such diverse backgrounds as India, the Arab world, and the gypsies. In this hour we feature the many paths of flamenco from the pop world to the concert hall.

Fiesta goes back in time to present some of the best Latin American classical music from different eras. We will feature music from the Colonial, Romantic, and Contemporary eras of classical music and see how they all tie together.

This week, host Elbio Bariliari, chooses some of his favorite long form orchestral pieces! Be prepared as we take an epic journey into the music of Latin America.

Born in the 18th century as a citizen of the Portuguese Empire, Jose Mauricio de Nunez Garcia was a progressive priest with advanced democratic ideas and was a fantastic composer. He is considered a hero among the artists and intellectuals involved in the South American independence. We will discuss his life and music on this episode of Fiesta!

Fiesta explores the world of Latin American art songs on this program. We will feature vocal music accompanied by strings, piano, guitar and orchestra. Including the voice of Anna Netrebko, José Cura, and Margarita Pruneda.

Host, Elbio Barilari introduces us to five hundred years of Latin American orchestral music. From the Baroque period composer, Domenico Zipoli to the present day Arturo Marquez. Come with us as we visit Bolivia, Cuba, Brazil, Uruguay and Mexico.

Fiesta's host Elbio Barilari sits down with composer Stewart Copeland (co-founder and drummer of The Police) and librettist/director Jonathan Moore about their world premiere of their new opera The Invention of Morel at Chicago Opera Theater. Based on the book by Argentine author, Aldolfo Bioy Casares, Elbio will speak to our guests about the influence of Latin American music and themes on their opera. We will also be playing a selection of some of their favorite Latin American classical music.

Host, Elbio Barilari, picks some of his favorite recordings from the monumental São Paulo State Symphony from Brazil! Founded in 1954 by João de Sousa Lima the OSESP performs over 200 concerts a season and has over has recorded over 100 albums. We feature music from their home country of Brazil!