The Arts Society Enfield: Discover the music of the Latin American Baroque

Many Arts Society members will recall the emotional film The Mission (1986) starring Robert de Niro. This startling presentation revisits the remote Jesuit communities of Bolivia portrayed in the film which Dr Griffiths knows personally from his concerts there in 1998 - given at the invitation of UNESCO. In ornate churches built by hand by the Chiquitos communities over many years the villagers regularly celebrate the achievements of their ancestors. For these were the true creators of the real music of the Latin American Baroque - not the Hollywood imitation! Remarkably, South America’s native composers were completely self-taught: the result is nothing short of miraculous for blending the solemnity of the European Baroque with the joyful energy of popular South American culture: including theatrical villancicos, operetta, and folk dances in an invigorating celebration of life - and eternal life.

Outstanding is the music of José Mauricio Nunes Garcia (1767-1830), a Brazilian priest of mixed race based in Rio de Janeiro whose music was acclaimed even in Vienna. (In 1992 Graham conducted the European premiere of his choral masterpiece OFFICIUM 1816 for Danish Radio.) Discover the wonders of this unique musical expression: the so-called Latin American Baroque! (Illustrated with sound recordings and images.)

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