Classic Mexican melodies played on two guitars
By Laura Vavra, Sept 8, 2006

“Postcard from Mexico”, Thursday, September 14, 7pm Teatro Santa Ana, Reloj 50, 50 pesos

The title of Jack Stillwater’s and Frances Zelenka’s concert of Mexican music arranged for two classical guitars, “Postcard from Mexico,” is taken from their newest CD, a recording of 12 well-loved Mexican tunes, including “La Sandunga,” “Farolito,” “María Elena,” and “Jarabe Tapatío,” among others. 

Recently, a listener had this to say about the musical arrangements created by Stillwater and Zelenka: “I have listened to many guitarists, and it’s a whole new experience to hear two guitars played as though they were a single instrument. Jack and Frances have a beautiful sense of voice leading and counterpoint, and a clear and beautiful tone to match.” 

Since meeting in 1997, Stillwater and Zelenka have pursued their musical dreams through the creation of a unique and personal repertory of music for two guitars. They have lived in Mexico for two years, both in San Miguel and in Tapalpa, a “Pueblo Mágico” in the mountains of Jalisco. They have performed often in San Miguel, as well as in Puerto Vallarta, Tapalpa, Malaque, Colima and Guadalajara.

Advance tickets are available at the Santa Ana box office, and proceeds benefit ANYÉL, a children’s music education program in San Miguel.

The music of the Roma people

Gypsy music concert, by “El Javi” Estrada 

Monday, September 11, 7pm, Teatro Santa Ana, Reloj 50, 60 pesos

Roma music is very important in Eastern European cultures such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Hungary, Russia and Romania, and the style and performance practices of Roma musicians have influenced European classical composers such as Franz Liszt and Johannes Brahms. Many famous classical musicians, such as the Hungarian pianist Georges Cziffra, are Roma, as are many prominent performers of manele. 

The distinctive sound of Roma music has also strongly influenced bolero, jazz, flamenco and Cante Jondo in Europe. European-style Gypsy jazz is still widely practiced among the original creators (the Roma People).

Roma people who came to the Americas contributed to almost every musical style. Salsa, rumba, mambo and guajira from Cuba, the tondero, zamacueca and marinera from Peru, mariachi music from Mexico, llanero from the borders of Venezuela and Colombia, and even American country music have all been influenced by their mournful violins and soulful guitar.