The New York Festival of Song is set to present “Gracias a la vida,” a musical tour of South America, with songs from Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

The concert will be held on Dec. 5, 2023 at Merkin Hall. The program features Ecuadorian tenor César Andrés Parreño and Bolivian soprano Shelén Hughes, with Steven Blier as pianist and host.

In a statement, Blier said, “I’ve been enjoying a love affair with South American music for many decades. What a joy to delve into this music with these two brilliant young artists. Shelén Hughes and César Andrés Parreño bring these songs to life with the kind of fresh beauty you dream of, as well as an authentic command of Latin American style.”

The month of December will also see “A Goyishe Christmas To You,” which will be presented on Dec. 12, 2023 for the first time at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. Donna Breitzer, Cantor Joshua Breitzer, Joshua Jeremiah, Rebecca Jo Loeb, Alex Mansoori, and Lauren Worsham will star alongside Alan R. Kay on clarinet and Steven Blier as pianist and host.