Over four decades, the annual Cervantino Festival in the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato has metamorphosed into one of the world’s most important cultural gatherings, showcasing Mexican and international talent while creating a carnival atmosphere in the streets and plazas like nowhere else.
The 41st edition, to be held from October 9 to 27, again hosts a huge variety of top-class music, dance, theater and art, featuring 3,518 artists from 31 nations and a staggering 540 performances.
The easiest way to learn about all the festival’s multiple delights is to browse the Cervantino’s excellent bilingual website (www.festivalcervantino.gob.mx). That said, for those those with less time and who still prefer the printed word, here are brief outlines of six shows that at first glance stand out from the rest (if such a thing is possible).Verdi vs. Wagner
Taking advantage of the coincidence that the bicentennials of the births of both Guiseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner both fall in 2013, this year’s festival will feature a “Verdi vs. Wagner” program that includes several events contrasting the great works and styles of these two operatic giants, and culminating with a performance of Wagner’s classic “The Flying Dutchman.”
Ute Lemper
Sultry German cabaret singer Ute Lemper uses the words of Bertolt Brecht and the music of Kurt Weill in her show “Last Night in Berlin.” This acclaimed singer, now a resident of New York, has recorded with some of the world’s leading singers and bands, including Scott Walker, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and Roger Waters.
Mime show
“Murmurs,” a mime/circus show by Aurelia Thierrée and her mother Victoria Chaplin (the daughter of comedian Charlie Chaplin and his fourth wife Oona O’Neill), explores illusions with a strange set and surreal scenes. Described by NYC Arts as “a dreamlike, largely wordless rumination on a woman’s adventure into a surreal and shifting landscape of deteriorating buildings and objects.”
Camareta Ireland
Camareta Ireland was founded in 1999 as an orchestra of Irish musicians determined to match the best in the world. Thanks to their extensive touring, the ensemble has acquired a reputation for excellence and maintains its commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of young Irish musicians.
In addition, festival goers can expect a range of performances from this year’s guests of honor, Uruguay and the Mexican state of Puebla.
For the full lineup, schedules and costs (many of the events are free of charge), plus more information, visit www.festivalcervantino.gob.mx.
Early hotel booking is advised. While space in hotels in Guanajuato are often hard to find at a late stage, nearby San Miguel de Allende offers a delightful accommodation alternative.
Beijing Symphony
The Beijing Symphony Orchestra directed by Tan Lihua interprets Mussorgski’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” and other works. Acclaimed Chinese flutist Tang Jun Qiao is the guest soloist. Chances to see major orchestras from the Orient are rare.
Goran Bregovic
A concert by Bosnia’s Goran Bregovic is always something to look forward to. Bregovic’s catchy music carries Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Greek and Romani themes and is a fusion of popular music with traditional music from the Balkans, tango and brass. He performs the show “Champagne for Gypsies” with his famed Wedding and Funeral Band.