TSO and the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson are partnering for the Consulate’s annual Mexican Independence Day Concert on Sunday, September 15 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. This will mark the 4th year the Consulate and the TSO have joined together for this musical celebration of Tucson’s Hispanic heritage and culture. “The idea behind the concert is to bring the Tucson community together to celebrate its cultural heritage. It is very important for us to keep this concert free of charge, and thanks to sponsors like HSL Properties and Visit Tucson we can do just that. We really see it as a gift for the community to launch the celebrations of the Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Mexican Consul Rafael Barceló Durazo.
Throughout the concert Maestro Gomez and the TSO will be joined on stage by Mariachi Aztlán de Pueblo High School, Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona, mezzo-soprano Diana Peralta, and Ballet Tucson. “Mariachi Aztlán has been a part of the concert from the beginning, which was fantastic because you have this exchange on stage of these young, extremely talented musicians looking up to the professional musicians of TSO. And now this year we’re having Ballet Tucson, which is also a fantastic cultural institution in Tucson. All the groups on stage contribute to the extraordinary success of the celebration.”
“It’s incredible to see so many different organizations working together, it’s just so collaborative. With the addition of the Fiesta out on the placita before the concert, that brings in so many small businesses and touches so many different community members. I think that that’s just amazing. It’s such a celebration not only of Mexican Independence Day, but Hispanic culture and the history of Tucson. It’s such a beautiful community event.”
– Rosie Garcia, TSO board member
The concert, always held on the eve of Mexican Independence Day, will also include the presentation of the Ohtli award, given to an individual or institution to recognize their work over many years for the benefit of Mexican nationals living abroad, and will conclude with El Grito. El Grito or “the cry” is a Mexican ceremony commemorating the start of the Mexican War of Independence, by repeating the words of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla calling the Mexican people to band together and revolt against the Spanish on September 15, 1810.
Maestro Gomez adds, “participating in this yearly tradition is an honor to all of us at the TSO and for me especially because of my Hispanic heritage and the love and affection that I personally have for the Mexican people. This year’s concert will be a great celebration with music by beloved Mexican composers such as Arturo Márquez and Agustín Lara. I am looking forward to this wonderful beginning of our season and am grateful for the trust of Consul Rafael Barceló to have us join the whole community in celebrating this wonderful day!”
Free tickets to this concert are available through the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson beginning mid-August- watch their website and social media for details!
