The San Angelo Symphony is gearing up for the annual Christmas Pops Concert of the symphony season. This year is going to be a little different though, with the introduction of Alma Mexicana into the mix.
“A Christmas Fiesta” is the name of this Christmas’ program, and features popular local mariachi band Alma Mexicana.
This may be the first Christmas program with mariachi, but it is not the first instance of the symphony teaming up with mariachi musicians.
“We’ve had the best mariachi in the world before, Mariachi Vargas,” said Hector Guzman. “It was the best concert we’ve ever had.”
Said concert sold out the Junell Center, but it also sparked the idea in Gregorio Gutierrez to have a local version.
Gutierrez, Publisher of Conexión Hispana Newspaper, spoke with Guzman, who agreed that a local mariachi band teaming up with the symphony was a good idea.
“I spoke with the committee and they loved it,” said Guzman, “all we needed then was the arrangements.”
But Mariachi and Symphony arrangements are not too common, which might have been problematic had Guzman not gotten in contact with Jesus Guzman (no relation) director of Los Camperos in Los Angeles.
“He actually gave us the arrangements,” explained Guzman, praising the man’s generosity.
Guzman thinks that this unique blend of differing music styles will be a big hit with the culture-loving city of San Angelo.
“Symphony goers not used to that will be surprised at how beautiful that sounds,” he explained, “and perhaps people that don’t attend symphony and are familiar with mariachi music will also see how beautiful the orchestra is.”
A native of Mexico himself, Guzman is getting the best of both worlds.
“I’m proud of where I come from, and I’m proud to be music director of the symphony,” Guzman said with a smile.
“A Christmas Fiesta” will be at the McNease Convention Center on Dec. 7 at 7:00 p.m. but with the closing of many streets downtown for the parade, it is advised to get there early or plan an alternate route.
For more information or to buy tickets call 325-658-5877 or visit www.sanangelosymphony.org.
A little preview of the musical prowess of Alma Mexicana
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