Concert "Fiesta Barroca Latina"

Early Music Ensemble VILLANCICO (Sweden)

Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Pontvik

The programme features Baroque music and dance from Latin America.

 

The music transports us to eighteenth-century Latin America. As the audience gathers, a priest is just finishing Holy Mass. A procession of worshippers leaves the church and soon makes its way to the town square, where a celebration awaits – one that reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the local people and the musical traditions of Indigenous, African and European communities.

 

Pedro is passionately in love with Amalia, but she is vain and more concerned with herself and her appearance. She pays him little attention, and the townspeople are divided over how this love story will end. Amalia begins to flirt with the priest, and the two briefly leave the square. When they return, rumours begin to spread and the people respond with accusations. Pedro is heartbroken and Amalia is shaken, yet the priest’s authority remains unchallenged. After everyone takes a moment to reflect on what has happened, life goes on.

 

The festivities soon get underway again and, despite everything, Amalia and Pedro eventually grow closer – with a little help from two matchmakers. The priest is called upon to marry them; perhaps it is a twist of fate. Now there is even more reason to celebrate, and “¡Fiesta Barroca Latina!” comes to a joyful close in a spirit of song and dance!

 

Founded by Peter Pontvik in 1995, Ensemble Villancico specialises in early music, with a particular focus on the Baroque repertoire of Latin America and the early music of the Nordic countries. The ensemble has given hundreds of concerts in more than thirty countries across Europe and Latin America, appeared on television and radio programmes, and released around ten albums. Its recording “Hyhyhy – The New Jungle Book of the Baroque” was nominated for a Swedish Grammis Award. Ensemble Villancico is renowned for its vibrant, committed performances and high musical standards, and holds an important place on the international early music scene.

 

Peter Pontvik is a Swedish composer, conductor and music producer who has researched the Baroque music of Latin America. He is Artistic Director of EARLY MUSIC SWEDEN and Chair of NORDEM. He previously led REMA (the European Early Music Network) and initiated the celebration of the European Day of Early Music, observed on 21 March.

 

 

The concert will take place in the Grand Renaissance Hall of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, without an interval. Latecomers will not be admitted.

 

Discounts are available for school pupils, students, senior citizens and visitors with disabilities (the number of discounted tickets is limited!).

 

Children are welcome provided they are of school age or older. Younger children and their families are invited to take part in educational activities at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

 

The events will be photographed.