Music of the Americas: All Alone

Tuesday, June 11, 10 am

Puerto Rican artist Peré fuses his rich Caribbean heritage with the magical sound of the sitar and the folklore of the Americas, creating a unique musical experience that transcends borders and cultures. 

From Madrid, he sent us two videos. Today, we share the artist's unique take on Puerto Rico's national anthem, "La borinqueña," written by the adopted Boricua Félix Astol in 1867. 

Wednesday, June 12, 10 am

Argentine composer and sound engineer Julián Di Pietro was born in La Plata. His most recent work explores the spatial possibilities of sound recording and studio production. He is also interested in the poetic possibilities of sound programming and electronic improvisation.  

He sent us a version of "Modo Turista," an electronic piece that samples and combines several classic tangos.

Thursday, June 13, 10 am

In 2011, Venezuelan pianist and musicologist Mariantonia Palacios was on our stage for a lecture-concert of late 19th-century salon music that was included in Venezuelan publications. The pieces contained in these publications, including those by the country's best composers, were destined for a range of venues, including the salon, private parties, and family gatherings; meetings in clubs, music stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and churches; concert examinations at the Institute of Fine Arts; or public recitals and concerts in the theaters.

Friday, June 14, 10 am

Peré is back with a version of "Adiós Adieu," which the author describes as "an ode to those who have had to say goodbye, expressing the nostalgia and uncertainty of those who have left behind what they long for so much. This sweet bolero fuses contemporary Latin rhythms with a touch of acoustic alternative pop." 

The MetLife Foundation Music of the Americas concert series is made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsor MetLife Foundation.

The Spring 2024 Music program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, by the Howard Gilman Foundation, by the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation, by the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, by the Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, by The Amphion Foundation, by the Augustine Foundation, and by the Mex-Am Cultural Foundation.