The Teatro Carmen stands as a poignant reminder of Tucson's rich cultural heritage, especially within the Mexican community. Established in 1915 as the city's inaugural Spanish-language theater, it quickly became a cherished hub for vibrant productions and a vital community space.

On March 19, the Cathedral Concerts delighted attendees with Trobár, a medieval music ensemble hailing from Ohio. Performing under the title Love's Dominion, Trobár showcased their exceptional skills through a repertoire that included pieces from the Cantigas de Santa Maria and Codex Calixtinus.

This rendition, skillfully interpreted by the English countertenor Michael Chance, was performed in Zamora, Mexico, during the 2012 edition of the Ars Vocalis México festival, an event that I had the honor of establishing and overseeing.

Antes de ir a la boda de Gerardo y Gaby en la parroquia localizada en el centro de Álamos, tuve la oportunidad de visitar un lugar llamativo: una peluquería tradicional y también pude escuchar a un joven violinista haciendo ejercicios con su instrumento musical.

What the fortune cookie tells me…

A couple of years ago, the Kino Heritage Society commissioned a musical setting of the Magnificat to be used for Vespers in honor of Father Eusebius Kino, the Padre of the Pimería Alta. The work premiered on March 20, 2022, at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson, AZ.

Y aquí, un pedazo de Bésame Mucho, colaborando con Misael Barraza Díaz en la guitarra.

La Puerta Roja is a cozy and welcoming boutique hotel where guests feel like part of the family. The hotel manager, Dulce, provided exceptional service with a warm smile. Every detail, from the beautiful decor to the thoughtful gestures, shows genuine hospitality. Let's not forget the bacanora that added to the inviting atmosphere.

Last month, I was fortunate to perform in a Canto Latino concert alongside my friends, Misael Barraza Díaz and José Luis Puerta. We had to change the venue from the Ballroom to the Chapel, which resulted in us giving 2 performances. The audience was pleased with our rendition of Latin American music.

You can access the article here:

https://news.diocesetucson.org/news/cathedral-schola-enhances-spiritual-experience

Bailey and Jaz, a lively pair of mischievous but adorable dogs, always manage to make me happy with their endless energy and loving personality.

Hace poco tuve el placer de comer ahí. Me encantó el Corazón Artesano, un rico platillo con salmón, mole y arroz. I loved the Corazon Artesano, a tasty dish with salmon, mole and rice. The Camaron Volcan, with is breaded shrimp, was also amazing.

On a rainy and somewhat windy day, I had the pleasure of welcoming world-class pianist Jorge Federico Osorio to our concert series at Our Lady’s Chapel. As we gathered inside, the space quickly filled with an excited audience eagerly anticipating the performance of this outstanding Mexican pianist.

La letra de este bolero captura maravillosamente la esencia del anhelo y el resentimiento, mientras expresa con tristeza el dolor de ser ignorado por un ser querido. Sin embargo, en medio de la angustia, hay un mensaje increíblemente poderoso de devoción inquebrantable que se niega a extinguirse, incluso ante la indiferencia.

It was a pleasure to play the piano at Angelo’s after 25 years. I had worked there for a number of years before deciding to move to Morelia to pursue formal studies at the Conservatorio de Las Rosas. However, my time in Morelia was short-lived, lasting only a year, as I was offered a full scholarship at the University of Oregon. This opportunity arose thanks to a video of me playing the piano at Angelo's and at Doney.

La primera vez que vi a este personaje me llamó la atención su porte y su vestir. Estaba yo al piano en el restaurante Doney, interpretando “Júrame”, cuando empieza a cantar unas líneas “Júrame que aunque pase mucho tiempo no olvidarás el momento en que yo te conocí.” Después fui a preguntarle a doña Reyna y ella me dijo que ese personaje era el señor Ferrusquilla, leyenda de la canción mexicana.

En Mazatlán tuve mucha suerte de escuchar el hermoso canto de Madai en el restaurante Raíces de Mar en la Plazuela Machado. Madai tiene proyectos interesantes para sus fans en este nuevo 2024, tanto en sus shows en vivo como en las redes sociales. Les comparto la interpretación de Madai del clásico Amor de mis Amores.

In Spain, it is a long-standing tradition to eat twelve grapes on New Year's Eve. Each grape signifies a month in the year to come, representing the desires and dreams for the twelve months ahead.

Extract of Tomás Luis de Victoria’s O Magnum Mysterium - Brianna, Emily, Arianna, Dr. Chris, Ezra, Daniel D. and Daniel I. -
St. Augustine Cathedral, December 25, 2023

A few days ago, on a special evening that was filled with holiday spirit and joy, I had the honor of conducting the Tucson Symphony Orchestra at the annual Christmas at the Cathedral event, held at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson.