Velarde gives second classical guitar concert, Feb 2, 2007
Classical guitar concert
Arturo Velarde
Fri, Feb 9, 5pm
Teatro Santa Ana, Insurgentes 25
100 pesos
On January 5, Arturo Velarde gave his first concert at the Teatro Santa Ana. The show sold out, so he is returning to the venue, where he will play classical and ancient Mexican guitar pieces not heard in his previous concert.
Velarde made his debut in 1984 at the Teatro Juárez in Guanajuato and subsequently was awarded a scholarship to the University of Guanajuato. The guitarist has played all over Mexico and given private concerts for the Rockefeller family in New York, the Brooks family in Canada and Liona Boyd, known as “the guitar lady of the world.”
Flamenco inspires a Spanish fiesta
By Elisa González
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Dinner and flameco show Grupo Caña y Canela Wed, Feb 7, 7pm Villa Jacaranda, Aldama 53 350 pesos |
The Villa Jacaranda restaurant will be transformed into a fiesta as the Caña y Canela flamenco group enlivens the stage following a splendid Mediterranean dinner.
Grupo Caña y Canela is directed by Sergio Basurto and Gabriela Servin, master interpreters in San Miguel de Allende. They are joined by another superb guitarist, Noe Cobo, and percussionist Carlos Aguilar. A troupe of four female and three male dancers perform the various Flamenco rhythms with traditional choreography and magnificent costumes, producing a lively show that can make you clap your hands in excitement and tap your feet to join in the fun.
The show starts quietly as Sergio’s guitar sets the mood with classical Flamenco tunes. Then the company joins in, first to add palmas (hand clapping in a syncopated fashion), and then dancing. Sergio’s tenor voice soars above his guitar in soulful excitement; then it is merged with the baritone voice of Noe. The rhythms become more festive and the dancing increasingly dramatic.
While the Flamenco music continues playing in the background, the scene explodes in color and rhythm as the dancing company presents the traditional Sevillanas, which are danced in couples as typically performed during the week of la feria in Seville.
Every dancer offers his or her own expertise; one dances with the manton (Spanish shawl) while another uses the abanico (Spanish fan) and yet another plays the castanuelas (castanets). They dance alone, in pairs, or in groups, as required by the particular rhythm in the guitars.
Though it is difficult for the layman to recognize the subtleties of the different rhythms—soledades, bulerias, sevillanas, rumba, alegria and many more—each rhythm is performed according to the traditional zapateados, the most spectacular ones being performed as solos because of their level of difficulty and precision. The company, of course, welcomes the clapping hands and shouts of Olé, Olé! from the audience, turning this show into a real participative fiesta.
Considering that the Villa Jacaranda Hotel is well known for its impeccable choice of menus, deliciously prepared by their most talented chefs, and that dinner is followed by the exciting and joyful atmosphere created by Grupo Caña y Canela, this evening offers a feast for the senses and a unique opportunity to join with local artists in a lively experience. Don’t miss this last opportunity to join the fun. For reservations, call Villa Jacaranda Hotel and ask for the restaurant. Tickets are on sale at the hotel reception desk. Dinner will be served at 7pm , and the flamenco show starts at 8:30pm in the Villa Jacaranda theater. Reserve early to ensure good seats. Ticket includes both dinner and the show.
Collar del Viento’s pre-Hispanic sounds
| Pre-Hispanic music concert Collar del Viento Sat, Feb 10, 7pm Teatro Santa Ana, Reloj 50A 50 pesos |
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Several years ago, an American San Miguel resident, Dr. Morton Stith, had the desire to form a Mexican children’s orchestra that would play pre-Hispanic music. As an art historian and lecturer on the ancient civilizations of Mexico, Dr. Stith knew that music had always played a vital role in the ceremonies and rituals of the Aztecs and other indigenous cultures. With the help of two generous San Miguel patrons he was able to initiate the Children’s Workshop in Pre-Hispanic Music in May 1999.
An announcement on the local radio station resulted in a few dozen children attending the first sessions of the workshop at the Biblioteca Pública. They were instructed by two professional Mexican musicians from Mineral de Pozos, Gonzalo Gómez and Néstor Vargas. These maestros not only knew how to play the ancient instruments, but they made them as well.
Within a year of the workshop’s inception, a performing group was assembled and began to offer public concerts. The group was named Collar del Viento (The Wind’s Necklace). Four children played drums, flutes, rattles and other instruments, all of pre-Hispanic origin.
The workshop is still supported by San Miguel patrons and others who believe that there is value in maintaining some contact with one’s roots. The Children’s Workshop in Prehispanic Music allows some Mexican children to experience a bit of their ancient culture and share that experience with the community when they perform in concert.
The children (and adolescents) range in age from 11 to 19 years. Collar del Viento always performs in costume and face paint and uses authentic ritualistic objects such as incense and flowers.
Day’s concerts offer diverse stylings
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Concerts by Shannon Day Fri, Feb 2 & 9, 7:30pm Teatro Santa Ana, Biblioteca Pública Reloj 50ª, 100 pesos |
Shannon Day performs two upcoming concerts in a 19th-century-salon–style soirée, accompanied by Elena Shoemaker. The first concert is devoted to musical theater greats ranging from Bernstein, Sondheim, Porter and Gershwin to new Broadway composers Andrew Lippa, and Michael John La Chiusa. In the second concert, Shannon sings songs of love, passion and romance: boleros, jazz and cabaret to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day.
A portion of the proceeds from these concerts will benefit Double Exposure, a program that connects children from diverse cultures, specifically from San Francisco, California and San Miguel de Allende, through the universal language of photography. The program offers marginalized children the opportunity to discover themselves through the art of photography and gives them the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. The program’s goal is to promote positive cultural exchange and appreciation of differences and to encourage self-worth via cross-cultural dialogue and creative exploration. For more ways to help, email Elizabeth Rosas at Libbyrosas@gmail.com.
Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Teatro Santa Ana.
Pianist Corona at Ángela Peralta
Concert
Alejandro Corona
Thur, Feb 8, 7:30pm
Teatro Ángela Peralta
250/180/150/100
Award-winning Mexican pianist Alejandro Corona will perform at 7:30pm on Thursday, February 8, at the Teatro Ángela Peralta. He comes to San Miguel from the University of Veracruz in Xalapa, where he is a professor of piano. When not busy instructing students in the University, Corona travels often throughout Europe and North America, performing and judging piano competitions.
Corona’s performance on Thursday will consist of works by the pre-eminent Mexican composer Mario Ruiz Armengol, some of Corona’s original pieces, works by Chopin and more.
Tickets for the performance can be purchased at Border Crossings, Mesones 57, or the Teatro Ángela Peralta, or call 044-415-117-8805 for sales and reservations. The cost for the performance is 250 pesos for pit seating, 180 pesos for orchestra, 150 pesos for box and 100 pesos for the gallery.