Latin American Art Music Festival
Latin American Art Music Festival
Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
KU School of Music
Musicology, Piano and Performance Activities
Join the KU School of Music and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies for the Latin American Art Music Festival, March 1-3.
This multi-day event highlights the rich tradition of Latin American classical music through lectures, performances, and student presentations. Featuring distinguished guest artists, the festival celebrates composers, explores musicological insights, and showcases the talent of KU students and alumni.
The KU Latin American Art Music Festival celebrates the rich and diverse musical traditions of Latin America, reflecting the vibrant cultures and histories of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. While Latin American popular music has achieved global acclaim, its art music which is equally dynamic and expressive, remains underrepresented and less widely known. This festival, presented by the KU School of Music, endeavors to broaden scholarly and public engagement of the exceptional creativity of Latin American composers and share their work with a broader audience.
Jopara Ensemble's appearance is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
March 1, 7:30, Swarthout Recital Hall
- 6:30 Jopara Pre-concert talk
- 7:30 Concert
KU Faculty and Guests perform Peru Negro (version for 2 pianos and 2 percussion) by Peruvian composer Jimmy Lopez with Dr. Priscila Navarro and Jair Zacarias, pianos; Dr. Garret Arney and Sijia Huang, percussion.
Guest Artists Jopara Ensemble perform music from Paraguay
The Jopara Ensemble was created by Paraguayan musicians Ramiro Miranda (violin), Irene Diaz (cello), Alejandro Avila (piano), and Aleia Gonzalez (guitar).
The word jopara is in the native language of Paraguay, guarani. In this context, jopara represents a blend of harmonies and rhythms from the world with many facets of Paraguayan life. This ensemble combines traditional elements of Paraguayan music as well as classical and more contemporary elements to create a unique and dynamic sound.
Read more about the Jopara Ensemble here: https://www.joparaensemble.com/
March 2, 7:30, Swarthout Recital Hall
Kansas Virtuosi - Harmonies of Latin America featuring faculty performances
Members of the KU School of Music faculty will perform pieces by Fernando Deddos (Brazil), Johanny Navarro (Puerto Rico), Manuel Ponce (Mexico), Carlos Guastavino (Argentina), Flausino Vale (Brazil), Manuel Aguirre (Peru), Miguel del Águila (U.S./Uruguay) and Arturo Marquez (Mexico)
March 3, 7:30, Swarthout Recital Hall
Celebration of Latin American Composers Concert featuring student performances
KU School of Music students will perform works by Manuel María Ponce (Mexico), Alberto Ginastera (Argentina), Francisca Gonzaga (Brazil), Helza Cameu (Brazil) Babi de Oliveira (Brazil), Remo Pignoni (Argentina), Alberto Ginastera (Argentina), Agustín Barrios (Paraguay), Ricardo Melchor (Guatemala), Gabriel Yela (Guatemala) Astor Piazzolla (Argentina)