The University of New Mexico John Donald Robb Musical Trust and National Hispanic Cultural Center will present the ¡Música del Corazón! Baroque Fandangos of New Spain and Historic Fandangos of New Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 p.m. at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. The event, which shares and promotes the legacy of New Mexican folk music and John Donald Robb’s compositions, is free and open to the public.
Fandangos are an intercultural tradition of intertwined music, lyric, and dance that spread to the most remote corners of the colonies of Spain by the year 1700. The word itself is of African origin, as are the percussive rhythms and energetic dance of the sub-Saharan peoples who lost their freedom, but not their music. The slave trade traveled up the west coast of Africa to Iberian ports to the Americas. Along the way, the musical traditions of Andalusian, Gitano, Afro-Latino, and Native American peoples blended and evolved.
Fandangos are also events, cultural gatherings, and popular dances. In Spain, all social sectors participated, from village fiestas to royal courts. The craze spread to the rest of Europe and was adapted for salons and stages by composers like Scarlatti and Mozart, whose opera The Marriage of Figaro features a fandango. Over the next three centuries, fandangos evolved into venues of resistance, empowerment, and liberation.
Schedule
2:30 p.m. - ABQ Journal Theatre Lobby
Discussion with scholars Brenda Romero, Professor Emerita from the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music, and UNM Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Professor of Spanish Enrique Lamadrid
Dance Lessons with Alex Manzanares and members of Ballet Folklórico Santa Fe
John Donald Robb information table
Meet members of the Robb Trust Board
3 p.m. - ABQ Journal Theatre Stage
Noe Garcia Jacinto - Spanish and Baroque Guitar with choreographer and dancer Carlos Menchaca
Lone Piñon - Jordan Wax, Tanya Núñez, Karina Wilson, and Santiago Romero with two couples from Alex Manzanares' Ballet Folklórico de Santa Fe
A special presentation of the 2022 Robb Award for lifetime achievement will be presented to Noberta Fresquez, co-founder and executive director of Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque. Fresquez has been recognized, locally, nationally, and internationally for her expertise in cultural entertainment and programming. She is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Mexico Hispano Music Association; the Mark Ipiotis Award from the New Mexico Hispano Entertainers Association; the Creative Bravo Award, and the De Colores Award for excellence in cultural education programming.
She has also been recognized by the New Mexico State Board of Education for her outstanding work in delivering Mariachi music education to public school children in the state. In 2010, she was recognized by the New Mexico Business Weekly as one of that year’s 25 influential Women of New Mexico. In 2011, Fresquez received the highest award the Mexican government gives to non-Mexican citizens, El Premio OHTLI. Most recently she received the New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award from former New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.
The UNM Robb Trust prides itself in supporting the music and musical legacy of John Donald Robb, to further his inspiring commitment to education, and to advance the understanding of music of the Southwest. The Robb Trust, in partnership with composers, performing artists, educators, students, and audiences, enhances the legacy of Dean Robb by preserving the traditions of Southwest folk music, promoting the music of John Donald Robb, and supporting the composition of contemporary music.
For more information, check the John Donald Robb Trust website.