Orchestra of New Spain

REFLECTIONS ON MEXICO
21st Anniversary Season

In 1810, with Spain suffering the occupation of the French under Napoleon III, Father Miguel Hidalgo saw an opportunity to throw off the European domination that had outlasted the English control of the northern American states. That move precipitated a domino effect of independence movements throughout Central and South America.

Recognizing these events, on the Bicentenary of Mexico’s struggle for independence, the Orchestra of New Spain dedicates its 2009-10 season to reflections on music in Mexico. In virtually all our concerts for the season you will find works from Mexico or works that in some other way relate to our southern neighbor. The music of these concerts represents five influences in the development of a Mexican baroque: music from Spain introduced into Mexico, music from Europeans who moved to Mexico, music of Mesoamericans, the earliest Mexican composers (of European influenced music), and the music which Fra Junípero Serra took with him to the ‘Alta’ California missions he founded in the mid-18th century.

The anitiquity of Mexico is much more studied and understood than that of the United States. The physical remnants of Mexico’s indigenous cultures are much more obvious and much better known than those of the indigenous peoples in what is now the United States. The leap between Columbus and the founding of Jamestown generally goes without remark in our children’s studies of history. Yet our own state and the surrounding areas were heavily trafficked by Spaniards well before the English and French arrived.

As the Orchestra has promulgated from the beginning, understanding more of the Hispanic — and indigenous — culture can only serve to help us understand and work with our southern neighbors. Herewith an exciting and very pleasurable dose of musical history. Come and enjoy with us.

- Grover Wilkins 3d