the genocidal terrorism that the State of Israel has
been exercising against the Palestinian People.
June 28th is International LGBTQ+ Pride Day
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International LGBTQ+ Pride Day, and other variations thereof, is an unofficial day celebrated worldwide every June 28th in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall riots . It reaffirms pride in traditionally marginalized and repressed sexual and gender identities and orientations, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, or those who have questions about their sexuality and/or gender identity. From a linguistic perspective, the term "pride" designates "self-love or the esteem that each person has for themselves as deserving of respect or consideration." This definition conveys the idea of an intrinsic dignity that every human being possesses and that should not be affected by their behavior or sexual orientation.
Queer identity is a term borrowed from English that is defined as "strange" or "unusual." The concept of Queer Gender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is not included in or transcends the male/female dichotomy. The term is still considered offensive or derogatory in some more conservative communities; while for others, it is a term that describes a sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression that does not conform to societal norms. In this context, some people who identify as Queer often position themselves outside the discourse and lifestyle that typify mainstream LGBT communities.
Love partakes of the soul itself . This is a song by Canadian composer Shane Raman, inspired by a passage from Victor Hugo 's novel, Les Misérables , in which he describes love as incorruptible, indivisible, imperishable, immortal, infinite, and boundless. Love partakes of the soul itself; it is of the same nature. Like the soul, it is a divine spark, incorruptible, indivisible, imperishable; it is the point of fire within us, immortal and infinite, which nothing can limit and nothing can extinguish.
This song is performed by the Canadian choir Cor Flammae, made up of queer singers whose primary objectives include giving visibility to Queer Identities .
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687) was a French composer of Italian origin (born in Florence ) who became a naturalized French citizen at the age of 21 (his real name was Giovanni Battista Lulli ). He quickly distinguished himself as a violinist and dancer, and at the age of twenty, he entered the service of Louis XIV as musical director to the royal family; from then on, his importance in the development of classical ballet was paramount. In 1672, he obtained the position of director of the Académie Royale de Musique, renewing the essence of opera with greater solemnity in its staging, a decisive emphasis on the clarity of the text, and meticulous elaboration in its ballets and choruses. In 1685, a scandal erupted; it was revealed that Lully had had a relationship with a young page of the Chapel named Brunet ; the composer then lost favor with the king. His musical output is based primarily on three pillars: opera, ballets, and religious music.
A passacaglia (French: passacaille, Italian: pasacaglia) is a musical form that originated in the Baroque period , particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries . It is based on an ostinato bass line : a short phrase that is continuously repeated in the lower voice, upon which melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic variations are built. It typically has a slow or moderate tempo and a solemn or expressive character, usually in triple meter (such as 3/4). Its origins lie in a popular Spanish and Italian dance, and the name comes from the Spanish phrase "pasar la calle" (to cross the street), because it was originally played while walking through the streets.
Jean-Baptiste Lully 's passacaglia from Armide is one of the most celebrated instrumental pieces of the French Baroque and an excellent example of the courtly taste of the Louis XIV era. The passacaglia belongs to Act V of the opera Armide , which premiered in Paris in 1686, with a libretto by Philippe Quinault. Armide is considered Lully 's last great opera and one of the most refined of his collaboration with Quinault . In Act V , the passacaglia accompanies a scene of celebration and enchantment in Armide 's magical garden. Its music creates an atmosphere of suspended, almost unreal beauty, which contrasts with Armide's inner turmoil. It is not merely background music; it is an essential part of musical theater, where dance, music, and drama are integrated.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) graduated from the Saint Petersburg Conservatory and wrote works in various musical genres, though his greatest success came with his ballets. His personal life was plagued by continuous crises from the age of 14, when his mother died, also as a consequence of repressed homosexuality, which forced him into a marriage that lasted only a few months. Despite clear signs of his musical talent, his education was geared towards obtaining a civil service position in the Ministry of Justice , which he achieved in 1859. While continuing his job, he enrolled in composition studies; however, after three years, he left his job to dedicate himself exclusively to musical study. He wrote more than 150 compositions, including piano works, quartets, suites, symphonies, concertos, chorales, cantatas, operas, and ballets. He died at the age of 53 and is currently considered one of the greatest composers in history.
Nocturne Op. 19 No. 4 follows the Romantic tradition inherited from Chopin : an intimate, lyrical, and expressive piece where the melody plays a predominant role, presented in a simple ternary form (A–B–A'), very common in Romantic nocturnes. It is a work of clear structure and simple form, yet of great expressive depth. The ternary form allows Tchaikovsky to explore a single emotional state through different nuances, highlighting the melodic expressiveness of the cello, the refined use of Romantic harmony, and an intimate and contemplative character typical of the nocturne genre ; thus, it is an ideal piece for the study of Romantic lyricism, musical breathing, and the expressive interaction between soloist and accompanist.
Structure : SECTION A: EXPOSITION (0'00"). The cello presents a broad, highly vocal melody with long, expressive phrases, while the piano accompanies with soft arpeggiated chords, creating a stable harmonic foundation. Formally, this section establishes the main theme, with symmetrical phrases and clear breathing, bordering on an almost "aria" style of writing. SECTION B: CONTRASTING PART (1'09"). Modulation to related keys with a brighter and more hopeful character, though without losing its intimacy. The cello maintains its melodic prominence, but with a more fluid discourse, while the piano acquires greater harmonic mobility. Here, Tchaikovsky introduces an emotional contrast: the discourse becomes warmer and less somber, though always restrained. SECTION A': VARIED RECAPISSION (2'25"). Return of the initial theme, but with slight variations in dynamics, articulation and accompaniment, heading towards the end, which tends towards calm and expressive dissolution.
Today's soloists : Daria Janssen (Titova) is an active solo cellist, chamber musician, and dedicated teacher. A winner of international music competitions, she holds degrees from the Longy School of Music, Emerson College , and Boston University . Daria lives in Boston with her family and enjoys traveling and exploring nature. Pianist Raquel Gorgojo is Spanish. After graduating with honors from the Madrid Conservatory , she earned a master's degree and a performance diploma from the Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University) with the renowned Professor M. Pressler . She has been an artist-in-residence at the Banff Centre for the Arts (Canada) and is currently pursuing her master's degree in piano performance at Boston University . Raquel has performed in Europe, the United States, and Canada . She has received a Fulbright scholarship and several awards from the Spanish Ministry of Culture and the Caja Madrid Foundation . She is a highly sought-after and passionate chamber musician and performs with both instrumentalists and singers.
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Mary D. Watkins is an American composer, pianist, and arranger born in 1944 in Philadelphia . She is known for her work across a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz and experimental music . Throughout her career, she has created compositions for orchestra, chamber groups, and choir, and has also composed music for film and television. She is particularly renowned for her ability to fuse different musical styles and for her innovative approach to composition. Her work reflects her interest in the music of diverse cultures, as well as in both modern and traditional compositional techniques. In her career, she has used her platform as a composer to address issues of political and social significance, including the civil rights struggles and the experiences of the Black community. Through her music, she has challenged conventions and paved the way for future generations of musicians who wish to explore a variety of styles and traditions. One of her most significant achievements is being one of the few Black female composers in a field historically dominated by white men. Her work and involvement with women's music spaces and community spaces linked to feminist/lesbian culture contribute to some contexts associating her with those cultural movements; but that does not constitute definitive proof of her personal sexuality.
Soul of Remembrance is one of the most representative movements of the suite Five Movements in Color by composer Mary D. Watkins , composed in the early 1990s; specifically, it is the second movement, which is often performed, as in this case, as an independent piece. This movement has a slowly meditative character, with a lyrical and contemplative opening that suggests, without explicitly quoting, melodies inspired by the African American spiritual tradition. Throughout its development, there is a combination of marching, rhythmic drive, and profound lyricism, creating a balance between suffering, memory, and hope. The work is deeply inspired by the African American experience, particularly the historical impact of slavery and the long struggle to be recognized as fully human. Watkins herself described Soul of Remembrance as a kind of “collective wail” of pain and longing for freedom felt by newly arrived Africans in the United States and by their descendants, as well as a tribute to them.
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George Frideric Handel ( 1685-1759) was born in Halle , Germany . A naturalized British citizen, he is one of the leading figures in the history of music and, certainly, of the Baroque period. As a child, he began receiving lessons in harmony and counterpoint from Friedrich Zachow , the organist of Halle , with whom he also learned to play the oboe, violin, and organ. At the age of 18, he moved to Hamburg, where he wrote his first two operas. After three years, he traveled to Florence and then to Rome . In 1710, he returned to Germany and from there to London , where he settled for the rest of his life. Of his abundant musical output, we must highlight the oratorio Messiah , one of the masterpieces of music history . Regarding his personal life, it should be noted that despite the complete silence with which he protected his privacy, many authors consider his homosexuality evident, given that for years he lived with male friends and collaborators. which is also not irrefutable proof of his sexual orientation. He died at age 74 at his home.
The catalogue of works by George Frideric Handel is known by the acronym HWV , which stands for Handel Werke Verzeichnis (German for Catalogue of Handel's Works ). It is not arranged chronologically but thematically, by type of work, genre, and whether vocal or instrumental. It comprises 612 works plus 25 supplements and doubtful or lost works, and was compiled between 1978 and 1986 in three volumes. The exact number of compositions is therefore difficult to determine; its author is the musicologist Bernd Baselt , and these works are also often indicated by their opus number.
Dixit Dominus is a psalm set to music by George Frideric Handel , using the Latin text of Psalm 110 , which begins with the words Dixit Dominus ("The Lord said" ). He completed the work in April 1707 while living in Italy . Written in the Baroque style, it is scored for five vocal soloists (SSATB), a five-part choir, strings, and continuo. It was most likely first performed on July 16, 1707, at the Church of Santa Maria di Montesanto , under the patronage of the Colonna family. It is a prime example of the early Italian Baroque style that Handel absorbed during his time in Italy , and although a sacred work , its musical language is highly theatrical and virtuosic, reminiscent of Italian opera .
Structure . The work is divided into 9 movements , each one corresponding to one or several verses of the psalm: I (00:06``) Dixit Dominus .-. II (05:51) Virgam virtutis tuae .-. III (08:42) Tecum principium .-. IV (11:47) Juravit Dominus .-. V (14:02) Tu es sacerdos in aeternum .-. VI (15:47) Dominus a dextris tuis .-. VII (18:50) Judicabit in nationibus .-. VIII (23:02) De torrente in via bibet .-. IX (26:48) Gloria Patri et Filio.
Today we present it under the baton of the French maestro Emmanuelle Haïm , (1962) harpsichordist and conductor specializing in baroque music who has had relevant performances at the head of the Berlin Philharmonic, the Chicago Opera or the BBC Proms , among other institutions.
Augusta Holmès (1847-1903) was a French pianist and composer, born on December 16, 1847, in Paris , to Irish parents. She was a piano prodigy, giving public concerts at the age of four with advanced technique and expressive sound, and later became the favorite pupil of masters Henri Lambert, Hyacinthe Klosé , and César Franck . From then on, she wrote both the lyrics and music for her works, using the pseudonym Hermann Zeuta . Her works include the operas Hero et Leandro, Astarte, Lancelot du Lago, and La Montagne Noire ; the psalm In Exitu ; the symphonies Orlando Furioso, Lutetia , and Les Argonautes ; the symphonic poems Ireland, Palagne, and Andromeda ; the symphonic suite Le Parie bleu ; choral works; and numerous orchestral pieces and art songs. On June 28, 1903, he died in Paris .
A symphonic poem is a free-form orchestral work, generally based on a literary text, whose purpose is to evoke sensations or feelings through a pre-established narrative. It typically consists of a single movement and is written for orchestra, although it can also be for piano or small instrumental ensembles. Franz Liszt is considered the father of the symphonic poem, having composed as many as 13 works in this genre, which quickly became widespread during the Romantic period.
Andromède by Augusta Holmès is a symphonic poem inspired by Greek mythology, in which Andromeda was the daughter of the mythical Ethiopian kings Cepheus and Cassiopeia , as well as the wife of Perseus and mother of seven children. Holmès not only composed the music but also created a literary poem in French, with 11 four-line stanzas, rhyming ABBA in Alexandrine verse .
Today we attended the presentation offered by the Virago Symphonic Orchestra conducted by the Belgian maestro Pascale Van Os .
Ethel Smyth (1858–1944) was an English composer and a leading figure in the suffragette movement . Born in London , she studied music in Leipzig with Heinrich von Herzogenberg . Her works included symphonies, choral pieces, chamber music, and operas. Her operas are particularly noteworthy, the most famous being *The Wreckers* and the most original, *Fête Galante *. Both were highly successful. Her compositions were praised by composers such as Tchaikovsky , Brahms , and Dvořák . In 1903, she became the first woman to have one of her works performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York .
In 1910, she joined the Women 's Social and Political Union (WSPU ). Her song "The March of the Women" (1911) became the anthem of the suffragette movement , with lyrics by Cicely Hamilton . She had several relationships with women; she wrote to Harry Brewster that it was "easier for me to love my own sex passionately than yours." Deeply committed to social causes, during the First World War she served as a radiology assistant at Vichy Hospital . In 1922 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire. She died in Woking at the age of 86 and her remains were cremated. In 2020, seventy-six years after her death, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for her symphony "The Prison ," recorded in 1930.
Ethel Smyth 's Cello and Piano Sonata in A minor, Op. 5, is one of the composer's most important early works and a highly valuable piece within the chamber music repertoire of the late 19th century . It was composed in 1880, when Smyth was just over 20 years old, during her formative years in Leipzig , where she was exposed to the Germanic tradition. Although an early work, it already displays a strong personal voice and great technical assurance. At that time, Smyth was seeking to be taken seriously as a composer in a male-dominated environment, which influenced the determined character of her music. The work is clearly influenced by German Romanticism, especially Brahms, Schumann, and Mendelssohn , which is evident in its rich harmonic language, expressive use of chromaticism, and dense, passionate writing, with a carefully crafted balance between the cello and piano. A work that combines drama, intense lyricism, and moments of great rhythmic energy. Today it is considered a key work of the Romantic cello repertoire.
Structure. The sonata follows the Classical-Romantic three-movement model: I (0'14") ALLEGRO MODERATO. A movement of great dramatic force, presenting broad and contrasting themes; this demands considerable expressiveness and control of phrasing, especially in the cello. II (7'47") ADAGIO NON TROPPO. A lyrical and introspective movement, in which the cello sings in a very vocal manner. The entire movement stands out for its emotional depth and intimate atmosphere. III (14'05") ALLEGRO VIVACE. An energetic and decisive movement, combining rhythmic drive with melodic episodes. It closes the work with a firm and affirmative character.
Today it is presented to us by David Sands on cello with Madeline Slettedahl on piano
Francis Poulenc (1899–1963) was a French composer and a member of Les Six , a group that also included Milhaud, Auric, Durey, Honegger, Tailleferre (the only woman in the group), and Poulenc himself. He embraced the techniques of the Dadaist movement (an anti-artistic, anti-literary, and anti-poetic movement that questions the very existence of art, literature, and poetry). Critic Claude Rostand described Poulenc as "half heretic, half monk," a label that stuck with him for the rest of his career, while Poulenc himself said, "My work is the juxtaposition of the profane with the sacred." Some critics consider him the first openly gay composer in history. He composed music in all the major genres, including chamber music, oratorio, opera, ballet, and orchestral music.
Francis Poulenc 's Piano Concerto in C -sharp minor, FP 146 (1949), stands as one of the most refined syntheses of postwar French neoclassicism , combining irony, introspective lyricism, and a restrained spirituality within an expanded yet still tonal harmonic language. Composed for pianist Jacques Février and premiered in 1950 in Boston with Poulenc as soloist and under the direction of Charles Munch , the work reveals a singular balance between concertante virtuosity and formal clarity, avoiding both the heightened Romantic drama and the radical experimentalism of its contemporaries. Structurally, the concerto adopts the traditional fast-slow-fast tripartite scheme, but does so through internal articulation procedures that fragment and reinterpret the classical form.
Structure . The first movement (0'27"), Allegretto, is structured in a manner close to sonata form , although deeply stylized. The Exposition presents two contrasting thematic areas: the first , incisive and rhythmically marked, introduces an angular motif that immediately establishes the key of C♯ minor , although tinged with modal inflections and extended chords characteristic of Poulenc 's musical language. The second thematic group , more cantabile and lyrical, modulates to relative tonal regions, introducing a melancholic quality that contrasts with the initial dryness. The Development focuses on a motivic reconfiguration based on juxtaposition and timbral variation, where the piano engages in a dialogue with the orchestra on transparent planes. The Recapitulation reintroduces the material with subtle harmonic variations and an economy of means that avoids grandiloquence. The Coda , brief and precise, reaffirms the tonality without triumphalism. The second movement (12'22"), Andante con Moto, constitutes the expressive core of the work. Formally, it approximates a ternary structure (A-B-A'), although its melodic continuity produces the sensation of a broad instrumental aria. The main theme , presented by the piano in a clear and almost Mozartian line, establishes a space of intimacy and temporal suspension. The writing here is characterized by the purity of the phrasing and a harmonization that incorporates chords enriched with sevenths and ninths, generating an ambiguous luminosity. The central section introduces a slight increase in tension through passing modulations and a more active dialogue with the woodwinds, but without breaking the contemplative atmosphere. The return of the initial theme occurs with more elaborate ornamentation and a denser orchestral accompaniment. The movement concludes in an atmosphere of serene resignation. The third movement (18'45"), Rondo (Très Vif), resumes the rhythmic drive with lively energy and a playful character reminiscent of the spirit of Les Six . The form follows a rondo-sonata scheme , where the main refrain—brilliant, articulate, and with displaced accents—reappears periodically between contrasting episodes that explore new tonalities and textures. Here, the piano assumes a more decidedly virtuosic role, though always within a crystalline clarity and without romantic excesses. The intervening episodes present more lyrical material, but the constant return of the main theme ensures formal cohesion. The coda accelerates the rhythmic drive and culminates in a firm tonal affirmation, albeit tinged with the composer's characteristic elegant humor.
Today it is offered to us by the pianist Maroussia Gentet accompanied by the Radio France Philharmonic conducted by maestro Mikko Franck .
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Jess Glynne , whose real name is Jessica Hannah Glynne ( Hampstead, London ; October 20, 1989), is a British singer, songwriter, pianist, and model. Her parents were music lovers and introduced her to various genres during her childhood, sparking her interest in music and her enjoyment of discovering different sounds and voices. She learned to sing by imitating artists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Aretha Franklin alone in her room, and when she was twelve, she discovered Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse , further stimulating her interest in music. In 2013, she signed with Atlantic Records , and the following year she rose to fame as a featured vocalist on Clean Bandit 's " Rather Be, " which was an international hit and a success in the UK , as was Route 94 's " My Love ." Glynne has released two studio albums, *I Cry When I Laugh* (2015) and *Always in Between* (2018), both of which reached number one in her country. She holds the record for the most number one singles by a British artist with a total of seven songs.
Regarding her intimate tendencies, in recent interviews and statements, Jess has identified herself as a member of the LGBTQ+ community .
Pablo Alborán (Málaga, 1989) is a Spanish singer-songwriter and musician who, since his debut, has received twenty-four Latin Grammy Award nominations, three of them in 2011. He has released six studio albums, two live albums, thirty-four singles, twenty-nine music videos, and several musical collaborations. He debuted in 2010 with the release of his first single, " Solamente tú ," which was included on his self-titled debut album. Released in February 2011, the album reached number one in its first week of sales, making him the first solo artist to debut at number one in Spain since 1998. According to Parlophone, Pablo Alborán has sold over one million copies of his first three albums worldwide in just two and a half years, becoming the best-selling artist in Portugal in 2012 and in Spain for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012).
In June 2020, Pablo Alborán posted a video on his social media in which he publicly announced that he is gay, clearly saying "I am here to tell you that I am gay" and that "nothing changes, life goes on."
Lady Gaga (1986) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, activist, and fashion designer. Born and raised in New York City, she studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University 's Tisch School of the Arts before dropping out to focus on her music career. She burst onto the rock scene in Manhattan's Lower East Side and signed with Streamline Records in late 2007. While working as a songwriter for the label, her voice caught the attention of artist Akon , who signed her to Kon Live Distribution . Her fame skyrocketed after the 2008 release of her debut album , The Fame , which received excellent reviews and sales, leading to several highly successful tours. In 2011, she released her second album, Born This Way , which topped numerous charts. She subsequently released several more albums with similar success, earning fourteen Grammy Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards , three Brit Awards, eighteen MTV Video Music Awards, two Golden Globes , and an Oscar . By February 2017, she had sold 31 million albums and 150 million singles, some of which are among the best-selling singles in the world. She also holds the record for the largest concert attendance by a female artist. Billboard ranked her fifth on its list of "the greatest pop artists of the 21st century."
Lady Gaga has publicly declared herself an ally of the LGBTQ+ community . Although she does not identify as lesbian or gay, she has spoken openly about her bisexuality and publicly defended marriage equality. She has also spoken out against discriminatory laws and dedicated herself to activism in support of the LGBTQ+ community. She founded the Born This Way Foundation , which focuses on mental health, well-being, and creating safe spaces for young people, including many LGBTQ+ individuals.
Ricky Martin (Enrique Martin Morales, San Juan, December 24, 1971) is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, actor, and writer. He is known for his musical versatility, with a discography spanning Latin pop, pop, dance, reggaeton , and salsa . Dubbed the "King of Latin Pop," the "King of Latin Music," and the "God of Latin Pop," he is considered one of the most influential artists in the world. He began appearing in television commercials at age nine and started his musical career at age twelve as a member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo . He launched his solo career in 1991 while signed to Sony Music Mexico , gaining recognition throughout Latin America with the release of his first two studio albums, Ricky Martin and Me Amarás , both focused on ballads. Martin is one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time, having sold over 70 million records worldwide.
He is ranked among the greatest Latin artists of all time, the greatest music video artists of all time, and the most influential Latin artists of all time by Billboard . His philanthropy and activism focus on LGBTQ+ rights and combating human trafficking. In 2004, he founded The Ricky Martin Foundation , a non-profit, non-governmental organization that focuses on denouncing human trafficking and educating the public about the crime. He is a fan of the Ecuadorian football club Barcelona SC , which was a special guest at the 2012 Noche Amarilla (Yellow Night) event. In 2019, he publicly addressed his fans: "Writing these lines is a step towards my inner peace, a vital part of my evolution. Today I accept my homosexuality as a gift that life has given me. I feel blessed to be who I am."
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Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a Russian pianist, conductor, and composer; for many critics, the most important of the 20th century . In his long life, he composed a vast body of work exploring various styles, including primitivism , neoclassicism , and serialism . Stravinsky 's musical future was ultimately shaped by Sergei Diaghilev , director of the Ballets Russes in Paris , who commissioned him to write a ballet for his company, which would become The Firebird . Stravinsky left Russia for the first time in 1910 to attend its premiere by the Ballets Russes in Paris . During his time in Paris, he composed two more works for the Ballets Russes : Petrushka (1911) and The Rite of Spring (1913). According to Time magazine, he was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century .
Les Noces (Spanish: Las Bodas ; Russian: Свадебка, Svadebka ) is a dance cantata or ballet with soloists , set to music by Igor Stravinsky . It premiered as a ballet on June 13, 1923, at the Théâtre de la Gaîté in Paris , performed by the Ballets Russes . Stravinsky first conceived of writing this cantata in 1913 and completed an abridged score by October 1917. During the long period of its development, the orchestration changed drastically; initially conceived for an expanded symphony orchestra, it was eventually settled on the following instrumentation due to various incidents: soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and bass soloists, mixed chorus, and two groups of percussion instruments, including four pianos.
The version we offer today was produced by UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) with Christian Gohmer as musical director.
Palo Negro . This Colombian dance is a traditional expression of Afro-Colombian origin, not widely known nationally and with local variations, which explains why it doesn't always appear in major folk repertoires. Even so, it is recognized by these general characteristics: It is primarily associated with Afro-descendant communities in the Caribbean region, with references in areas of Bolívar, Sucre, and Córdoba ; it has links to community rituals and religious festivities (in some places, patron saint celebrations), where the dance fulfills a symbolic function and fosters social cohesion; the name alludes to the original use of sticks or canes (sometimes painted black), which were central to the choreography and where the dancers carried sticks that were rhythmically struck against each other or against the ground; all of this within firm, energetic, and repetitive steps in circular formations or lines. It is a dance taught from generation to generation, which reinforces Afro-Colombian identity and the historical memory of the communities that practice it. Its less widespread use means that there are slightly different names, steps, and meanings depending on the place.
The Monferrina is a traditional Italian dance originating in Piedmont , especially the Monferrato region (hence its name). It is one of the most representative folk dances of northern Italy . The dance spread between the 18th and 19th centuries , having originated among rural communities, although over time it also found its way into popular gatherings and community celebrations. Its presence is often associated with celebrations, fairs, and social events. It is a lively and cheerful dance, generally in triple meter (3/4 or 6/8), based on repetitive and spirited music designed for dancing. It is danced by couples (traditionally a man and a woman), with a playful and courtship-like character, alternating skipping steps and light turns, with rhythmic clapping and elegant yet energetic movements. It is a dance that expresses joy, vitality, and sociability and is related to other Italian dances such as the saltarello , due to its jumping nature.
The regional dances of the island of Tenerife are part of Canarian folklore and reflect the history, cultural fusion, and daily life of its people. These are dances of popular origin, born in festivals, pilgrimages, and religious or agricultural celebrations, combining Guanche, Castilian, Andalusian, and Latin American roots. They are danced in pairs or groups, often in lines, circles, or facing couples. The steps are simple yet lively, emphasizing rhythm, gentle footwork, and arm movements, accompanied by songs that are usually sung, with verses on themes of love, religion, or local customs. The attire is traditional, featuring typical Tenerife costumes, long skirts, aprons, vests, sashes, and hats.
The AF Princesa Iraya is a Canarian folk group dedicated to preserving, performing, and promoting the folklore and traditions of the Canary Islands , especially those of San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Tenerife ). It is a socio-cultural and folk group focused on music, dance, traditional songs, historical costumes, and Canarian customs. Its main objective is to keep the popular traditions of the Canary Islands alive through performances, workshops, dance classes, and participation in cultural events, organizing and participating in festivals, pilgrimages, traditional dances, and educational activities for the entire community. Today we are attending one of their many carefully crafted popular performances.
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Various Wikipedia articles and relevant information on Artificial Intelligence were used to prepare these texts.
The texts of Videomusicalis are written in Basque, Spanish and English.
