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Ana Cervantes shares the story behind her set of commissions from 16 composers, from five countries, for a project called “Canto de la Monarca: Mujeres en Mexico.” The music, old and new, modern and indigenous, tells histories and mythologies. If there are no literary languages, they are surely implied in at times highly dramatic fashion. Gabriela Ortiz was one of the best-known of the composers who answered Ana's call for submissions.

The 2024 season of Momentos Musicales comes to an end as the ensemble Inti-Illimani presents “Quiaquenita” and Gabriela Ortiz returns alongside pianist Ana Cervantes with her extraordinary “Estudio No. 3.” Eugenio Toussiant has the honor of the final bars of music with his “Palabras sin Sonida,” words without sound.

Today's journey begins with flute music from R. Carlos Nakai, born into the Navajo nation. His song echoes the souls of Nakai's ancestors as they beat out foot paths to the south, establishing trade routes connecting the Navajo nation with the Huichol of northwestern Mexico. Trade continued all the way to the great Aztec city which we know today as Mexico City. Gabriela Ortiz speaks of discovering Huichol chant which she then integrated into her modern orchestral score, “Kauyumari.”

Carlos and Allison Franzetti take us once more into the Teatro Colón to encounter ghosts and other surprises. Carlos also tells of working as a producer and arranger for the legendary singer, Mercedes Sosa, while also explaining how he continues to compose music as an Argentinian writer despite having lived the past 50 years in New Jersey.

Lila Downs, a keeper and protector of many early languages of Latin America, sings poetry of the Zapotec poet, Ta Rey Baza, a legendary character from Oaxaca. Also, the Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin demands his soloists and chorus to sing in Nahuatl his “Cantos Aztecas,” based upon poetry from the 15th century Aztec scholar, architect and ruler, Nezahualcoyotl. We also hear the great quena virtuoso, Juan Lazaro Mendolas, championed by Carlos Franzetti, and the amazing virtuosity of the Mexican ensemble, Los Folkloristas.

“The Mercado was like the Ellis Island of San Antonio,” says Jorge Cortez. “Most of the immigrants worked there.”Cortez’s father, Pete, was reminded of…

Two Nordic composers highlight the upcoming concert from the Mid-Texas Symphony, on Sunday, Nov. 3 in New Braunfels.

Hear a preview of this week's First Friday concert at St. John's Lutheran Church, featuring mezzo-soprano Crystal Jarrell Johnson.

It is estimated that by 1491 Mesoamerica, meaning Central America and Mexico, had a population of 15-20 million. Add to that another 20-25 million in South America. Conservatively, 35 million people lived in the “Americas,” speaking thousands of different languages. The following year Columbus “discovered” a New World.

Recorded live at the National Flute Association convention in San Antonio, this recital includes several world premiere pieces of music, a bit of silly and fun music, and a delightful set of music from Turkey and surrounding countries that had the crowd on their feet cheering at the end!