By Mariana Barillas
The University’s Latin American Music Center (LAMC), a unique collection of manuscripts and cultural memorabilia, is marking its 40th anniversary with a series of concerts and other exciting events. The events are open to the public and are, for the most part, free.
“We wish for students and the wider community to learn through performance the richness of Latin American music,” said LAMC Director Gustavo Ahualli, noting its diversity spanning from baroque to bachata. Each of the concerts will feature compositions only available from the library’s collection.
Ahualli said the goal of the ongoing celebration is to showcase the treasure trove at the library, one of a handful of such centers in the country. The collection spans multiple genres and includes handwritten music manuscripts unavailable in print or recording. This also marks the center’s first-ever collaboration with the cultural office of the Embassy of Spain to bring internationally renowned artists to perform at the University.
October 26: Flamenco Gala Dinner with TorcuArt, a fundraiser honoring Natalia Monteleon’s contributions to the art form and featuring flamenco performers SonDeBaril, renowned classical guitarist, Thomas Rohde, Ph.D. 2023, and more.
November 2: “Music from Argentina: Carlos Guastavino and his Time,” featuring Argentine pianist Lilia Salsano’s first U.S. performance, violinist Nancy Roldán, renowned violinist José Cueto, and LAMC director and baritone Gustavo Ahualli.
November 9: Leonardo Manzino, M.A. 1988, Ph.D. 1992, lecture on Latin American opera.
November 23: In collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, a concert featuring countertenor Mikel Uskola Cobos and pianist Jose Ramos Santana.
Ahualli explained that it is an exciting time for the Latin American Music Center. The center received a Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation grant two years in a row, which will go toward digitization and preservation of the archives. Puerto Rican composer Carlos Alberto Vazquez, one of the most noted contemporary composers from the Caribbean, recently donated his archival collection to the center. For Ahualli, his work at the center is all about preserving and promoting Latin American cultural heritage for generations to come.
“We serve the Latino and wider community through our high quality lectures, recitals, and through our work at the Latin American Music Center,” said Ahualli.
To learn more about the LAMC and programs of study, activities, patrons, and more, please visit their website.
