06212015Sun
Last updateFri, 19 Jun 2015 5pm

Brief but eventful JPO summer season focuses on Russian, Hispanic greats

The second 2015 season of the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) lasts barely more than a month and includes a concert outside Guadalajara in Mexico City’s prestigious Palacio de Bellas Artes.

But the short lineup is packed with exciting events that celebrate the 100th anniversary of orchestral tradition in Jalisco — a moniker that carefully parses words so as not to leave the impression that this orchestra is 100 years old. The season includes a recording for the Universal label that is being carried on this week and next, with the help of well-known classical sound engineer Phil Rowlands, as well as the trip to Mexico City.

JPO Director Marco Parisotto is continuing the focus on Russian composers, following on from last weekend’s opener showcasing the well-received Prokofiev ballet “Romeo and Juliet.”
He continues with this weekend’s concert featuring invited violin soloist Alexandre Da Costa and the orchestra playing outstanding works by Tchaikovsky. (Friday, June 19, 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 21, 12:30 p.m.) This concert is the one being recorded with consultation by Rowland.

Next up are more Russian gems, with works by Prokofiev and Stravinsky featuring pianist Alexei Volodin on Friday, July 3 (8:30 p.m.) and Sunday, July 5 (12:30 p.m.).  The orchestra travels to Mexico City the following weekend, July 12, to repeat the concert.

Back at home, the season winds up Friday, July 17, 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, 12:30 p.m., with a Russian-Hispanic concert, featuring works by Fuentes, Vargas, Briseño, Guizar, Albeniz and Marquez (the famed Danzon No. 2) along with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with Wonny Song as soloist.

Tickets available at Ticketmaster, (33) 3818-3800, www.ticketmaster.com.mx and Degollado Theater box office, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily, tel. (33) 3614 4773. Degollado Theater is in Guadalajara’s city center two blocks behind the main cathedral. A 30-percent is discount available only at box office for students, teachers, seniors (with valid ID) and persons with disabilities. General practice open to the public every Friday of the season at 9 a.m. in the Degollado. Orchestra information: (33) 3030-9772 weekdays 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and at http://en.ofj.com.mx.  Access to children at the Degollado is limited to those ages 6 and over.