Out of all the countries in Latin American, Mexico has managed to safeguard the largest quantity of music composed during its colonial period.
Many Spanish composers came to New Spain to work in cathedrals and passed on their knowledge of European music to the indigenous population.
“The mixture of the two cultures gives our 16th and 17th century music a unique style,” says Eduardo Arambula, artistic director of the Festival Internacional de Musica Virreinal Mexicana, which takes place in Guadalajara and Tlajomulco from July 30 to August 8.
While all the concerts in Guadalajara are scheduled at the Palacio Municipal (city hall), the Tlajomulco recitals will be held in six churches constructed by Franciscan evangelists in the 17th century. The churches form part of the “Ruta Franciscana” – 14 religious edifices in ten communities in the Tlajomulco municipality, all built by Franciscan monks. A free bus will take patrons from the Palacio Municipal in Guadalajara to the Tlajomulco concerts. It will leave two hours before the starting time of each concert. All are free of charge.
Participating groups are Capilla Neo Vizcaina (Durango), Ensamble Barroco Universitario (Mexico City), Los Tonos Humanos (Puebla) and Orquesta de la Opera, Ars Antiqua and Contrapunto (Jalisco).
The music from this period is more varied than one might imagine, and includes chants, carols, African rhythms and instrumental pieces, as well as religious works composed for masses and festivals. For music connoisseurs, these concerts will offer much to enjoy.
GUADALAJARA in the Salon de Cabildos (Presidencia Municipal, downtown Guadalajara)
Friday, July 30, 8:30 p.m. Capilla Neo Vizcaina
Saturday, July 31, 8:30 p.m. Agueda Gonzalez, harpsichordist
Sunday, August 1, 8 p.m. Ensamble Barroco Universitario
Wednesday, August 4, 8:30 p.m. Contrapunto
Thursday, August 5, 8:30 p.m. Orquesta de la Opera de Jalisco
Friday, August 6, 8:30 p.m. Tonos Humanos
Sunday, August 8, 6 p.m. Ars Antiqua
TLAJOMULCO DE ZÚÑIGA (various locations, call 33-3641-9921 for exact directions)
Friday, July 30, 8:30 p.m. Orquesta de la Opera de Jalisco (Basilica de los Reyes de Cajititlan, Cajititlan)
Saturday, July 31, noon. Capilla Neo Vizcaina (Templo del Hospital)
Saturday, July 31, 5 p.m. Ensamble Barroco Universitario (Templo de San Lucas)
Sunday, August 1, noon. Agueda Gonzalez, harpsichordist (Capilla de la Santa Cruz)
Sunday, August 1, 5 p.m. Orquesta de la Opera de Jalisco (Templo de San Juan Evangelista)
Saturday, August 7, noon. Los Tonos Humanos (Templo del Hospital)
Saturday, August 7, 5 p.m. Ars Antiqua (Templo de San Lucas)
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