Orchestra of New Spain

Welcome to our 23d season

And still more exploration of what is the last trove of 'Western' music to be discovered and brought to light straight from the court, church and theater archives where it was originally used. And what music it is! From the masses of Francisco Courcelle and José de Nebra — the great symphonies of their day! - to the lively Christmas villancicos of Padre Soler, to the amusing tonadillas of Madrid's popular Enlightenment theaters, you in Dallas have experienced a unique journey of remarkable musical genius.

When we began the journey of the Orchestra of New Spain in 1989, I was obliged to make a fundamental choice: do we present a concert of Latin American baroque in the Guadalupe Cathedral, or do we go to the source in Spain to see what the Old World influences had been? I decided to begin in Spain, and it was the right decision. Over the past two years as I have delved more deeply into first Mexican and then Bolivian 18th century music, my work has been aided by an understanding not only of the musical roots of what I now understand as IberAmerica, but also the social and cultural sources in general. It has also put into clear perspective the riches of older New World civilizations that the Europeans encountered.

All of that, of course, would be for naught were the musical experiences less than the glorious, exciting and provocative concerts we've enjoyed. We'll continue those experiences this season, and in some very diverse and thrilling venues. The most visible will be our participation in the dedication of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge on the bridge deck: all of Dallas will hear us that morning. But you will also hear us in our regular concert series the previous evening to celebrate the bridge and the naming of the Rio de la Santisima Trinidad in the Hispanic way with a thrilling Te Deum of Francisco Courcelle, and with Handel's Water Music. Halloween? We'll play music inspired by the likes of devils and phantoms. We return to Lee Park and Arlington Hall for Valentine's Day with music on the theme of love. And for the third Christmas season we will be hosted by Christ the King Catholic Church for a marvelous evening of Spanish Christmas music.

Our Home & Garden concerts frame the season, with our first concert on September 30 featuring German pianist Christoph Hammer in a recital of the earliest music for piano, taking us from 1732 up to the time of Schubert, on his own cimbalo di piano e forte! We close the season with a preview of our Bolivia tour program.

Let me personally thank the many of you who maintain your subscription and concert-going traditions. Your support is vital. Let me encourage new subscribers to what is a real bargain for a truly unique season of music in splendid venues. And let me encourage all of you who can to continue your financial support of the Orchestra. It is thanks to you that we can continue such wide-ranging and innovative programs and services. I look forward to seeing you for another season! Thank you.

- Grover Wilkins 3d