Día de Muertos - A music and dance fiesta
It was a joy to organize and produce the Día de Muertos concert as part of the Cathedral Concert Series. The first presentation of the season featured Mariachi Sonido de México, performing traditional music, and Viva Performing Arts Ballet Folklórico with dances from different regions of Mexico. There were outstanding performances from Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Michoacán. This ensemble, directed by Julie Gallego, featured glowing lights, and the audience was captivated by the beauty of the costumes.
My colleagues, guitarists Misael Barraza Díaz and José Luis Puerta, gave the audience a taste of their musicality and virtuosity, and I joined them in performing La Llorona and La Sandunga, traditional songs from Oaxaca. The altar design and decorations were made by Guadalupe de la Torre, who spent a considerable amount of time constructing the altar. Her crew did a wonderful job setting everything up.
My sincere thanks to Gilbert Luna, Rosa, and Albert Hinojoza from the Diocese of Tucson Pastoral Center for managing the logistics and security of the venue; Sam Eagon and Arizona Pro Sound for providing excellent sound; Katherine Kwan and her team for videography; Miguel for assisting with setup; and Ducky for the photographs and support.
If you live in the area, don’t forget to visit the Cathedral Concert Series’ website for more information. You might find it enjoyable to attend one of the upcoming performances, which promise a memorable experience.
