Explore the diverse traditions of Latin American and Iberian music.
Fiesta is a weekly classical music program devoted to Latin American and Iberian music from the 16th to 21st century, and brings artistically and historically significant compositions and artists to its listeners. Acclaimed composer, musician, and professor Elbio Barilari is your guide on this adventure through a rich musical landscape. We invite you to enjoy and learn about the lively, compelling, and rarely-heard treasures of Latino classical music from around the world. Interviews with composers, conductors, and musicians enrich the music. Previous guests on Fiesta have included Eduardo Fernández, Carlos Kalmar, Piotr Nawrot, and José Serebrier.
In Spain, during the Baroque period there were many significant but often forgotten composers. Fiesta shares some of the treasures of the Spanish Baroque including music by Antonio Literes, José de Torres, and Gaspar Sanz.
Popular in Europe in the 19th century, salon music made its way over to Latin America. Embraced by many composers and performers this style of music took on a new life across the ocean. Featured on this program is music from Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, and Brazil.
Some of the greatest performers and composers of the guitar have come from Latin America. In this program host, Elbio Barilari share some of his favorite pieces for this versatile instrument and some of the most important works for classical guitar.
El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, has inspired much music in Latin American culture.
Host, Elbio Barilari will share some of the many treasure of Latin American chamber music. Join us for this in-depth look at the wonderful world of Latin American chamber music.
The mastery of this Mexican genius will be highlighted in works for the orchestra, chamber groups and solo instruments.
The Newberry Consort has focused on Early music from Spain and New Spain (as present day Mexico was known when it was a part of the Spanish empire). The recordings featured in this program underscore the continuity of Colonial music as a part of the tradition of western music, including some pieces that were performed for the first time in 300 years.
Both, Native American and African roots have been quintessential for the development of folk and classical Latin American music. Fiesta takes a trip to discover the origins of this music.
Join host, Elbio Barilari, as he shares some of the greatest violin music come out of Latin America.
The amazing and contrasting landscapes of Latin America have been reflected by some of the most brilliant composers of Latin America.
Join us for music from this region of Spain with a rich history of great composers.
Colonial Latin American music is one of hidden treasures of classical music. Fiesta opens the vault sharing baroque and classical music that is as powerful and beautiful as what was coming from Europe at the time.
Andrés Segovia is considered one of the greatest modern guitarists. His style and techniques have elevated the classical guitar to new heights.
Host, Elbio Barilari, shares some of the treasures of Latin American symphonies from the 19th and 20th century.
Fiesta celebrates the centenary of Leonard Bernstein's birth with a look at the maestro's love for Latin American music.
Host, Elbio Barilari, share some of his favorite works from living Latin American composers.
Fiesta pays tribute to one of the most famous and important symphonies in the world.
The "Four Seasons in Buenos Aires", by Astor Piazzolla, has become one of the most popular contemporary pieces, both, for tango music and classical music.
Few Spanish symphonies, if any, have found its place within the standard repertoire.
Fiesta explores the many rhythms and beats of South America.
Leonardo Balada is, for many, the most important living Spanish composer. Fiesta dedicates a whole program to his work and thinking.
Founded in the 1970's, Camerata Punta del Este is a ground breaking ensemble bridging the gap between classical and popular music. Fiesta's host, Elbio Barilari will guide us through the fascinating story of these musicians and play some of his favorite recordings.
Flamenco music from Southern Spain has been very influential not just in the music of nationalistic Spanish composers but also inspiring composers from other countries. Fiesta features three Spanish composers influenced by these Flamenco Soundscapes.
Fiesta pays another visit to the amazing past and present of Portuguese music. Host, Elbio Barilari will share the many hidden musical treasures from this often-overlooked musical country.
Musical memory is a strange thing. What is remembered and what is, often times is decided by the particular taste of one era or just by chance. Hidden treasures from the past are being discovered every day. Fiesta shares some of this new music from the past!
Fiesta is made possible by the generous support of Joyce Saxon and the listener supporters of the WFMT Fine Arts Circle.
Composer, musician, and professor, Elbio Rodríguez Barilari was born in 1953 in Montevideo, Uruguay, where he studied at the Conservatório Universitario before continuing his education in Brazil at the Cursos Latinoamericanos de Música Contemporáne. Since settling in the United States in 1998, Barilari has lectured at the University of Chicago and the Instituto Cervantes. He is currently on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
As a composer, Barilari has received commissions from the Grant Park Music Festival, Concertante di Chicago, Chicago Park District, and Orquesta Filarmonica de Montevideo. In addition to works for orchestra, chamber ensembles and solo instruments, he has provided scores for more than forty plays in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.