Orquesta Axixic
The Orquesta Axixic, under the baton of Daniel Medeles Cordova, is tuning up to celebrate its third anniversary with a special concert on Saturday, September 27, 7 p.m. at the Auditorio de la Ribera.
Tying into September’s Fiestas Patrias, the program will feature the sounds of Mexico, including classic airs of yesteryear, boleros, and orchestral pieces composed around nationalistic and patriotic themes. Spectators are encouraged to wear typical Mexican attire or patriotic accessories.
Bar service will be available from 6 p.m. Admission to the performance is set at 70 pesos per person, with a two-for-one deal available to students and children. Tickets are on sale at Diane Pearl Colecciones, Ocampo at Colón; Fiaga Boutique, Morelos 7 and the auditorium box office.
Orquesta Axixic was founded between August and September 2011 at the initiative of Daniel Medeles, with the sole purpose of sharing and enjoying fine music. To launch the orchestra, the budding conductor-violinist roped in close friends who make up lakeside’s rising generation of promising young musicians, complemented by the added instrumental talents of a number of experienced performers who have taken up residence among the area’s expat community.
The Orquesta Axixic has appeared in public performances at the Centro Cultural de Ajijic, Chapala’s Centro Cultural González Gallo de Chapala, the Auditorio de la Ribera, Preparatoria Regional de Chapala, the Casa de la Cultura de Jocotepec, and Casa de Cultura de Jamay. The group’s broad repertoire ranges from classical compositions and symphonies, to motion picture theme songs and popular Mexican ditties.
Naked Stage
Appearing in the Naked Stage performance of “The Supporting Cast” by George Furth, directed by Collette Clavadetscher, are, from left: Peter Luciano, Barbara Pruitt, Sharon Lowry, Joan Lowy Warren, and Michael Warren. Judy Long is also a member of the cast of the play to be presented at 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 26, 27 and 28 at Rio Bravo 10. Reserve tickets by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or purchase at the box office beginning at 3:15 p.m. each day. Gene Saks, director of the original production said, “This play is a mean, vicious, gossipy play – and I love it.”
Son de Maguey
Lakeside residents will have a special opportunity to discover Son Jarocho, the traditional music, dance and culture of Mexico’s state of Veracruz during a Friday, September 26, 7 p.m. concert presented by LagoGris and de la Guacamaya al Parajo Carpientero and featuring the six-member group Son de Maguey, playing a sparkling array of stringed instruments.
Says Ajijic’s Son Jarocho musician Lauro Brujito: “I know the community will be delighted by this didactic bilingual performance. This group has something to say beyond music.”
Tickets for the performance, at 100 pesos and
60 pesos for students and those of limited resources, are available at the Ajijic Cultural Center (CCA), at the Studio and Gallery of Efren Gon
zalez, and Fiaga on Morelos. Adds Brujito, “This fiesta de fandango jarocho to benefit the theater being constructed in the CCA, will be a feast of experiences.”
Piano Recital
Renowned pianist Marco Antonio Rodriguez Gallegos will present a piano recital at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 25 in the Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo in Chapala.
There is no admission fee to attend the concert featuring music he has selected to reflect Mexico. The program, “Aires Nacionales,” will include “Ecos de Mexico” by Julio Iturarte, “Elodia” and “Danzas Nocturnas” by Luis G. Jordá, “Intermezzo,” “Scherzzino Mexicano” and “Balada Mexicana” by Manuel M. Ponce, “Muzurkas in Em and F#” by Alfredo Carrasco, “Vals Poetico” by Felipe Villanueva, “Vals Capricho” and “Aires Nacionales Mexicanos” by Richard Castro.
Marco Antonio Rodríguez Gallegos obtained his earliest musical training in his native Guadalajara where he studied music at the Seminario Menor Diocesano and later at the School of Sacred Music of the Archdiocese of Guadalajara. He received bachelor’s degree music studies and musical composition and a masters degree in Gregorian chants.
Rodriguez studied composition at Zapopan’s Casa de la Cultura, while taking courses to perfect his music skills with some of the finest musicians of Mexico. He continued studying piano in Hannover, Germany, before traveling to Japan in 2011, where he interpreted Mexican music on a cultural TV station alongside the great Japanese pianist Masahiro Masumi.
Rodriguez recorded “Nostalgia,” a CD on which he interprets some of the works he presented in Japan. In addition to his dedication to concert performances, composition and the direction of choral groups, he is continuing to study to hone his skills on the piano, organ and in composition. He is now a student of the University of Guadalajara, where he is studying for a masters degree in piano under Maestra Marita Zimmer.
Calendar release
Ajijic’s artistic Velázquez family is planning a special weekend of openings and displays. From 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20, the Velázquez parents, watercolorists Belva and Enrique, are unveiling their 2015 calendar, “Our Beloved Mexico,” during their 22nd calendar party with refreshments and live music.
Also on display in the family gallery at Calle 16 de Septiembre 7 in Ajijic will be the travel photography collection of their son Simón. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (376) 766-0162.