Vibrant Voices
Three outstanding programs will be presented over the coming week at Chapala’s Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo in the lakeside extension of the International Vocal Festival Jalisco Canta.
Sunday, September 6, 1 p.m. – Hear Cuban-born mezzosoprano Solyane Caignet and Tapatio guitarist Sergio Medina perform compositions by Ponce, Carrasco, María Grever and Agustín Lara.
Tuesday, September 8, 7 p.m. – Vocal Crea, a female a cappella quartet from Guadalajara, will sing popular tunes from Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States.
Thursday, September 10, 4 p.m. – Cuba’s a cappella choir Vocal Leo, famed for mixing lively dance steps with song, will represent their with homeland with a repertoire of classical and traditional music.
All of these events at the former railway station are open to the public free of charge.
Singers wanted
Los Cantantes del Lago is looking for new singers in time for the holiday concert season.
“We are a community choir comprised of all ages and all nationalities,” says Music Director Timothy G. Ruff Welch. “We welcome all levels of experience to this amazing group. We have those who read music and some who don’t.”
Welch says he will conduct short (and quite painless) auditions of prospective new members by appointment.
“Our concerts are respected. We work hard to attain that level but we have fun, too. This year, the Los Cantantes holiday concert will be have an extra attraction – we will be accompanied by flute and harp. Those instruments will add a lovely effect.”
For further information visit www.loscantantesdellago.com and go to the “Come Sing With Us” page. The form for those who wish to audition can be found, along with directions on how to submit it. Form must be submitted before Thursday, September 3.
ASA Meeting
Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) members are reminded that their monthly meeting is slated for Monday, September 7, 10 a.m., at La Bodega Restaurant, when Dana Douin will share his sculpture techniques. Douin also has extensive experience in interior design, hair styling, mixed media sculpture and other facets of art. The program will begin around 10:30 a.m.
Bus Trips to Ballets
Viva la Musica is hosting a bus trip to the Teatro Diana in Guadalajara on Thursday, September 24 for a double bill of presentations by the Russian State Ballet.
First up is “Carmen” by Plisetskaya, a ballet banned by the Soviet Union because of its eroticism. The high voltage action continues in the second offering, “Bolero,” Ravel’s story of two lovers.
Tickets for this trip are 550 pesos for members and 650 for non-members. Tickets are available at the Lake Chapala Society on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until noon. The bus leaves from La Floresta at 6:30 p.m.
The Viva la Musica bus heads back to Guadalajara for a program by the Joven Ballet of Jalisco on Sunday, September 27 at the Teatro Degollado. Several choreographed pieces featuring classical, jazz and modern music will be performed, including “Easy Winners” by Scott Joplin, part of the Gadfly Suite by Shostakovich, and a modern dance premier set to music of Carlos Chavez. The recent performances by this state-sponsored professional dance company have been highly praised.
The bus will leave lakeside at 10.30 a.m. Trip tickets are 300 pesos for members and 400 pesos for non-members. Tickets are available at the LCS on Thursday and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Fiesta Mexicana
The lakeside extension of Guadalajara’s Mariachi Festival will take the form of a Fiesta Mexicana on Friday, September 11, 5 p.m., in the esplanade outside the Auditorio de la Ribera. Featured will be rousing music by the Mariachi Mi Tierra de la Manzanilla de la Paz and dances performed by Ajijic’s Ballet Folklorico Xicantzi. Guests will also be offered typical foods, desserts, drinks and raffles. Tickets going for a 100-peso donation are available at Yoly’s Unisex Styling Salon, Hotel Ajijic Plaza, Ishop & Mail, Diane Pearl Colecciones, the auditorium lobby box office and the Canaco office, Aldama 14, Ajiic. Or call 766-2784 or 766-2260 for free home delivery.
45 Years
A retrospective exhibit opening Friday, September 4, 8 p.m. at the Jocotepec Cultural Center looks back at the 45-year career of local artist Jesus Tadeo Vega. The show also includes work by some of Vega’s students, and a display of his photos.
“Ritmo con Dolor,” a new CD by Asuntos Varios, will be introduced during the event that will end the three-year term of the director of the Jocotepec Cultural Center.