"Música por doquier/Hispanic Music Everywhere" aspires to affirm the universality of Spanish and Latin-American classical music. We believe that this music should be a part of every serious musician's repertory and not just the exclusive province of native performers. Education seems to be the key to stimulating greater interest and enthusiasm, and exposing students and their teachers to the music of Spain and Latin-America is bound to have exponential benefits: today's students are tomorrow's performers and teachers. New York City seems the ideal locale for our festival, since it draws on a uniquely diverse, international body of music students.

With the support of a generous grant from the Spanish Ministerio de Educación, Cultura, y Deporte, we are joining Spanish composer and conductor Salvador Brotons in directing a series of events throughout 2004 open to students, teachers, and general audiences, which provide not only model performances, but also instruction, and –most importantly –opportunities to participate. Several master classes have been scheduled, including a class for guitarists at the Third Street Music School Settlement by Manuel Barrueco, classes on Spanish and Latin-American piano music by pianist Adam Kent at Third Street and German Diez at the Americas Society, a class on Spanish and Latin-American string music by violinist Lucas Alemán, and a class on Spanish and Latin-American chamber music by the Damocles Trio also at Third Street Students from area conservatories and music programs are eligible to participate in all these events.

Concerts include a lecture/recital by Adam Kent at Third Street and an evening of chamber music with Lucas Alemán, the Damocles Trio and guest artists from Third Street. The festival will culminate with a special program at Merkin Concert Hall, featuring the Damocles Trio and guest artists violinist Stephen Clapp and violist Tobey Appel. A new work by Salvador Brotons will be premiered at this event, affirming the continued vitality of Hispanic musical traditions.

Mr. Brotons will also figure extensively in our festival, giving students a chance to interact with a contemporary figure from the world of Spanish music. Mr. Brotons will visit Third Street for a talk with young composition students and will also direct the school's orchestra in an all-Spanish/Latin-American program. We are also planning a panel discussion with several contemporary figures from the world of Hispanic classical music to discuss the future of this musical tradition.

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