Binghamton University is marking Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebration of Latin American art song. Professor of Voice Brenda Iglesias, who organized the program, says the music draws on both European traditions and the rhythms of Latin America.
“It’s similar to German lieder or French chanson in the way it sets great poetry,” Iglesias explains, “but the difference is we’re working with texts by writers like Jorge Luis Borges or Octavio Paz, and the music is inspired by folk rhythms from Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Cuba.”
Iglesias is especially excited about discoveries like Peruvian composer Rosa Mercedes Ayarza de Morales: “Her song Hasta la guitarra llora—‘Even the guitar cries’—is dramatic, emotional, and almost like a tongue-twister.”
Joining Iglesias are tenor David Guzmán of Boston University and pianist José Meléndez of the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. “It’s the best combination of performers you can get for this type of repertoire,” she says.
The concert takes place Saturday, September 13, at 3 p.m. in the Chamber Hall of the Anderson Center at Binghamton University. More information is available at binghamton.edu/music/events