On May 20, 2021, New West Symphony will continue its 2020-21 season, dedicated to global sounds and local cultures, with “A Tour of Mexico.”

Presented in partnership with the Museum of Ventura County, the festival will run until May 23, culminating in a symphony concert presentation featuring virtuoso guitarist Jiji Kim and harpist Maria Casale, in a program of works by Arturo Marquez, Fernando Arroyo Lascurain, Silvestre Revueltas, Manuel Ponce, Gabriela Ortiz, Jose Enrique Gonzalez-Medina, and the traditional Mexican folk song “El Son de la Negra.”

In addition to the concert, season and concert passport holders will receive access to companion cultural festival programs to broaden their understanding of the music and culture, curated by Michael Christie. May 20 will see a pre-concert talk by UCLA Senior Lecturer David Ravetch; May 21 will feature an exploration of Southern California’s musical heritage with demonstrations of traditional instruments; and May 22 will be a Meet the Artists event.

“Joy is the word that performers and composers alike cite when they speak of the spirit of Mexico’s colorful musical tapestry. The music we are performing for our Tour of Mexico highlights the profound influences of indigenous, European and pan-American musical traditions on Mexico’s past, present and future musical creations. Viewers will come away from New West presentations with an appreciation for the tremendous cultural legacy of the region that was and is Mexico. I am enchanted and enriched by the nuances of this Tour of Mexico as well as our other ‘Global Sounds, Local Cultures’ presentations.”