Carnegie Hall

The citywide Voices from Latin America festival was an unprecedented celebration of one of the world’s richest cultures and its influence on the world. Curated by four iconic musicians—composer Osvaldo Golijov (holder of the 2012–2013 Richard and Barbara Debs Composer’s Chair), singer-songwriter Gilberto Gil, jazz pianist and composer Chucho Valdés, and conductor Gustavo Dudamel—the festival presented more than 70 events that encompassed music, dance, film, photography, and visual arts at Carnegie Hall and a dozen partner institutions.

The musical melting pot that is Brazil was explored with Gilberto Gil. Chucho Valdés’s Cuban series presented groundbreaking young artists, time-honored veterans, and the spellbinding ritual traditions of incendiary Afro-Cuban music. Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela were featured in a residency that offered symphonic and chamber music, and in a special Discovery Day, Dudamel shared insights into the renowned El Sistema music education program in his homeland.

Carnegie Hall also worked with Celebrate México Now, a festival of contemporary Mexican art and culture, to present an evening of traditional and contemporary Mexican song to honor the late legendary singer Chavela Vargas.