This year’s dual remembrance of Mexican independence and its revolution, which occurred 100 years apart, will have something for everyone, including works by European composers of the era such as Schumann, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky, as well as the Prehispanic sounds of Toussaint’s “Popol Vuh” and the 100-percent Tapatio treasure, the “Misa” (Mass) by Mariano Elizaga, which was written in 1876 and rescued from the archives of the Guadalajara cathedral much later.
The first program this weekend (including Sunday, January 24, 12:30 p.m.) includes this Mass and “Popol Vuh” as well as Dvorak’s beloved ninth “New World” symphony, which is in the same novel spirit as the other works.
Local interest in the “Misa” is understandably high, not only because it was composed by a homeboy, but because it employs a piano (a new instrument at the time) and will be sung by a 54-member children’s choir, the Coro de la Catedral de Guadalajara, joined by a number of soloists. The Mass only consists of a Kyrie and Gloria and lasts 25 minutes
But the eight-program season promises many other highlights. They include the world premier of a work by Lifshitz on January 29 and 31; “La Huasteca,” by four Hispanic composers, on February 12 and 14; the breathtaking soprano Barbara Padilla on February 19 and 21; Jalisco’s new dance company performing Revueltas’ “La Noche de los Mayas” on March 5 and 7; and Chopin and Schumann works along with Espinoza’s “Concert for percussion and orchestra” on February 26 and 28.
Ticket prices have been raised a bit, but they still remain a bargain at 90 to 170 pesos, with student, teacher and senior discounts available only at the box office. Free musical chats continue on performance Fridays at 7 p.m. and open practices can be heard performance Fridays at 8:45 a.m. sharp.
Teatro Degollado box office open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. (33) 3614-4773. See www.ofj.com.mx.
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