Fans of choral music are in for a treat in April. Choirs from seven countries will be taking part in an expanded third Festival Internacional de Coros Jalisco Canta (International Choral Festival) from April 21 to 28.
Last year’s festival attracted choirs from Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela. Adding to these three nations this year will be choirs from the United States, Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Colombia.
One of the star turns looks to be Mexico’s Voz en Punto, an internationally recognized a cappella choir that has won many awards and performed with major orchestras, as well as the likes of the Kings Singers and Bobby McFerrin. Voz en Punto have been named the “padrinos” (godfathers) of the festival.
From abroad audiences can see the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers from the United States, Camerata Vocale Sine Nomine from Cuba, Ars Vocal from Venezuela, Camerata Coral from Puerto Rico and Banda Vocal Bocapelo from Ecuador.
The Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers are a traveling company of 12 to 15 that have garnered international acclaim and focused worldwide attention on the vast body of “African-American” folk music.
Local groups showcased will be the Jose Cuervo Foundation Choir, Guadalajara’s ACapella Ensamble and the Puerto Vallarta Municipal Choir.
As well as performances in both metro-area Guadalajara and in other Jalisco municipalities (Chapala may be a host again), there will be a choral competition, round-table discussions and master classes.
Although the full program is still being worked out, it has been confirmed that the opening concert will take place at the Degollado Theater on Saturday, April 21 and the closing gala, featuring many of the invited choirs, held at the Teatro Diana on Saturday, April 28. Tickets for the closing concert are already on sale.
For more information about the festival visit http://jaliscocanta.com.