May
Long lost music revived at Newcastle University
Music which was lost for centuries will be brought to life by Newcastle University staff and students.
They will be performing a programme of South American baroque on Monday, 28 May. Helping them to make sure the early music sounds authentic will be visiting fellow and expert Dr Julián Gómez Giraldo.The baroque style of music was composed and performed in South America during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries in what was then the Spanish colonies of Peru, High Peru (Bolivia) and Nueva Granada (Colombia).
However, after the countries established independence much of the music created during the period was destroyed by republicans and what was left was forgotten in a few church archives. It was only rediscovered in the 1960s.
Professor Agustín Fernández, Professor of Composition at the University’s International Centre for Music, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our staff and students to learn more about and to perform these wonderful pieces which were lost for so long.
“Baroque music was being composed in Europe during this time but it was forgotten for a long time that it was also being created in South America.
“We are delighted Dr Julián Gómez Giraldo has created this programme of wonderful music for us to perform. He will be there to make sure it sounds just like it should.”
Dr Gómez is a lecturer at Eastern Washington University and conducts the Spokane Youth Symphony Orchestra. His visiting fellowship is being funded by Santander Bank.
Performers during the programme will include Jennifer Morsches, a specialist in Andean baroque well known for her work with ensembles such as Florilegium and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. New Vocal Ensemble, based at the International Centre for Music Studies (ICMuS), Dr Bennett Hogg on the harpsichord and ICMuS students will play a range of instruments.
The performance will take place at 7.30pm, in the Recital Room of the University’s Armstrong Building. It is open to the public and admission is free.
published on: 24 May 2012