Navidad is a celebration of the Christmas season via the lens of various Latin American traditions, and the identify of a live performance by early music specialists the Toronto Consort. Songs from the wealthy traditions of South America type the core of this system.
The live performance takes place on December 6. We requested musician and curator Estaban La Rotta to delve into among the particulars for the upcoming efficiency.
Lutenist Estaban La Rotta
Toronto Consort artist Estaban La Rotta is returning to the corporate to guide the undertaking. La Rotta is a famous lutenist who studied on the Civica Scuola di Musica di Milano with Paul Beier, and later in Montreal. There, he obtained his doctorate in baroque guitar efficiency.
His research led him to concentrate on the lute and its emergence as a polyphonic instrument, which in flip led him to the repertoire of the late medieval interval and early Renaissance. He studied the solo repertoire for lute of that period on the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland.
In the present day, as a specialist in a variety of early plucked devices, and Estaban maintains a busy profession as each soloist and continuo participant. He’s additionally a specialist in Baroque Italian and French repertoire for solo theorbo.
Estaban La Rotta: Q&A
LvT: Why did you select to carry out this specific theme of Navidad?
ELR: Music performs an essential half within the tradition of the South American custom, notably for the top of the yr celebrations.
As the results of centuries of cultural mixing — because the arrival of the Europeans on the finish of the fifteenth century in Latin America — it isn’t a shock that the musical traditions are variated and distinctive, mixing traditions, rhythms, and melodies, every attribute of a area, however all united in a single land. That’s how facet by facet we hear African rhythms, Spanish (with its Arabic affect) flavoured tunes, and Andean folks melodies. Our live performance celebrates this range.
The live performance options the piece Navidad Nuestra, written by the Argentinean composer Ariel Ramirez,(composer of the track made well-known by Mercedes Sosa-Alfonsina y el mar). Ramirez re-tells the Christmas story utilizing totally different conventional rhythms for every motion. Is sort of an fascinating piece. Our model is particular as a result of we shall be utilizing baroque devices to carry out it!
LvT: What different items shall be carried out?
ELR: We will even carry out choices from the Codex Trujillo del Perú, also called the Martínez Compañón Codex. Compiled by Bishop Martínez Compañón within the 18th century within the Virreinato del Perú, this assortment paperwork the cultural traditions of the area, together with flora, trend, and music. It affords a uncommon glimpse into the oral musical traditions of the time.
To distinction, we are going to current Baroque-era music written for cathedrals, showcasing a extra European fashion influenced by Latin American tradition. Composers embrace Antonio Durán de la Mota, Manuel de Sumaya, and Manuel de Mesa y Carrizo.
LvT: Who’re the performers?
ELR: Esteban La Rotta and the Toronto Consort are thrilled to collaborate with Rodrigo Chávez (Chile) and Ernesto Cárdenas (Peru), specialists in conventional South American music, alongside Bolivian baroque violinist Karin Cuéllar and Montreal-based artists Janelle Lucyk and Kerri Bursey.
Music-making is storytelling, and early music affords a singular lens via which to expertise these tales. It connects us to the sounds, feelings, and cultural expressions of the previous, offering a richer understanding of our shared historical past. By performing early music as we speak, we hold these tales alive, preserving traditions and providing contemporary views that resonate with trendy audiences. This act of preservation bridges generations, giving depth to our cultural identification and guaranteeing these vibrant tales proceed to encourage the longer term. Be part of us to discover and have a good time this timeless connection.
Esteban is a member of the Toronto Consort and in addition served as an Creative Affiliate, persevering with now with the Consort on this thrilling new chapter of the ensemble’s historical past.
- Discover out extra particulars concerning the efficiency on December 6 on the Trinity St-Paul’s Centre [HERE].
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Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto Metropolis Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an skilled freelance author, blogger and writing teacher.