By Cris Franco

Cuban-born, Aurelio de la Vega taught, mentored and inspired students, performers and artists, including visual artists whom he encouraged and patronized. Testimonies abound of both his generosity and his uncanny ability to affect lives, both personally and through his music. “He was one of those people you must remember as ‘before and after’,” one of his students  remarked. In addition to his work as a composer, de la Vega distinguished himself as poet, essayist and human rights advocate. 

In 1959, the mature composer moved permanently to Los Angeles. The fall of the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship had caught him in the middle of a U.S. lecture tour, after which he returned to Havana. But after a brief stay, the hostile context he found persuaded him to emigrate. In the U.S., once he had become a citizen, de la Vega became a vocal critic of the Castro regime, particularly its dismal record of human rights abuses and persecution of dissident artists and intellectuals, all of which had contributed to the destruction of a free Cuban culture. In reaction, de la Vega saw his ever-growing catalog and world-wide acclaim banned consistently in Cuba from all mention and performance, including air waves. Only in 2009, half a century after going into exile, as an overdue recognition of lifetime achievement, was Intrata (1972), one of his more ambitious works, performed publicly in Havana by the Cuban National Orchestra.

A prolific composer, lecturer, essayist, and poet.  His impressive catalog includes orchestral, chamber, vocal, piano and electronic works and his commissions were sought the world over. Throughout his long career he garnered  numerous recognitions, among them the Friedheim Award of the Kennedy Center for the performing arts which he received twice (1978, 1984), the Cintas Foundation William B. Warren Lifetime Achievement Award; the Carlos Vo Hispanic Imperial Order, of which he was made a member; and four nominations to the Latin Grammy Awards, three times for Best Classical Contemporary Composition and once for Best Classical Album.

In his honor, the Verdi Chorus has just announced the Maestro Aurelio De La Vega Guest Artist Fund which will provide enhanced funding for guests artists that perform with the group. Chorus President Frank Strauss said, “Aurelio De La Vega was a key figure for both the classical music world  and the Verdi Chorus itself. One of his greatest joys was discovering and nurturing talent. During his life, he personally sponsored the guest sopranos that sang with the Verdi Chorus.  This new fund, created in his honor, will extend  into the future financial support to all guest artists who sing with the Verdi Chorus, and will serve as a way to continue the Maestro’s important legacy.”

Of their spring concert, titled “Hélas mon Coeur” (Alas my heart) conductor Anne Marie Ketchum says, “The title for this program feels appropriate on so many levels. Aside from being the title of one of the most beautiful ensembles from Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, the phrase itself, ‘Alas, my heart’ sums up both the losses we have all experienced over the past two years, and the bittersweet hope for what lies ahead as we launch our 39th season. It’s a strong and emotive program which our three sensational guest artists including renowned baritone Roberto Perlas Gómez who, with over 100 roles to his credit, has performed extensively throughout the United States.” 

Performance times are Saturday, May 14 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica, located at 1220 2^nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.  

Tickets are available for purchase at www.verdichorus.org. 

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The Hecho en México concert, inspired by the award-winning album of the same title, will play in nearly 20 cities in the U.S. including Reno, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Houston, Chicago, Boston, New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

A Latin Grammy winner, Fernandez has sold more than 35 million records worldwide and scored number-ones on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums in each of the past four decades, including his latest work Hecho en México. This album debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Latin Album chart and marked the singer’s return to the mariachi format. It also earned him a Latin Grammy for Best Ranchera/Mariachi Album, the fourth award he has received from the Latin Recording Academy. The album also won Fernandez a Grammy nomination for Best Regional Mexican Music Album. 

Hecho en México has produced four consecutives number one radio hits in the U.S. and Mexico with “Caballero,” “Te Olvidé,” “Decepciones” and his current single “Duele” featuring the also Latin Grammy winner Christian Nodal.

As live touring shut down in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fernández got involved in raising awareness about health and other causes. He partnered up with Univision’s Dr. Juan Rivera to share vital information about health and COVID-19 on TV and social media. He also helped raise funds for the artist community impacted financially by the coronavirus crisis. Fernández released a rendition of singer/songwriter Joan Sebastian’s classic song “Eso y Más,” using the proceeds to help out-of-work musicians. He donated 100 percent of the proceeds to MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund in the U.S and MúsicaMéxico COVID-19 in Mexico.

In October 2020, the singer lived streamed his concert América a Una Sola Voz (America Together in One Voice), which was reportedly viewed by more than 150,000 fans in 19 different countries in the Americas. With the U.S. presidential elections around the corner, in the show Fernandez reminded his fans of the importance of voting. He also joined a coalition of artists for the “Vota Por Nosotros” (Vote For Us) get-out-the-vote campaign airing on Estrella Media. 

In accepting his Latin Grammy last November, the singer dedicated the award to the victims of recent hurricanes in southern Mexico and donated one million Mexican pesos, about $50,000, to the Mexican Red Cross to help with the relief efforts. Most recently, Fernandez joined Mana’s lead singer Fher Olvera as the face of the “We Are Home” campaign calling for humane immigration reform for the millions of Latino immigrants living in the U.S.

Fernandez’s U.S. concert is presented by Live Nation Entertainment. Opening for Fernandez will be the American Latin pop duo Ha*Ash integrated by the sisters Ashley Grace and Hanna Nicole Pérez. Tickets are already on sale.

Featured Photo: Alejandro Fernández (Credit: Bernardo García)

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Suzette Quintanilla, CEO/President of Q Productions stated, “After carefully reviewing all the options during these challenging times, the decision has been made to cancel the Selena XXV Tribute Concert.  This decision did not come easy.   The future is unpredictable and we feel we cannot responsibly create an event of this magnitude for the fans. Thank you all for understanding. 

We would like to thank all the first responders and essential workers who have worked so hard for all of us. Let’s make sure we’re all doing our part to help keep our fellow neighbors safe during this time.” 

For refunds, purchasers should visit ticketmaster.com or the original point of purchase.

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The Largest Fan Celebration At The Alamodome In San Antonio

The tribute concert features a diverse range of Latin musical artists and highlights the influence that Selena continues to make on music of all genres and across generations. 

Selena XXV – Veinticinco Años showcases the following line-up: Pitbull, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, A.B. Quintanilla III Y Los Kumbia Allstarz, Becky G, Elida Y Avante, Ruben Ramos, Pete Astudillo, Gilbert Velasquez, Ricardo Castillón, Ally Brooke, Isabel Marie and The Lab. 

“We are excited to bring this ultimate fan experience to honor and celebrate my sister, Selena,” said Suzette Quintanilla, CEO/President of Q Productions. “Over the past 25 years, her influence and relevance has only grown throughout generations.

“Through our father, Abraham Quintanilla, we were taught to persevere in the face of adversity and to work hard to accomplish our dreams”, Suzette continued. “Those core values, along with her amazing talent and ability to connect with people has helped sustain Selena’s legacy and it is what makes her an impactful and important role model 25 years later.” 

In addition to the dynamic music line-up, other special Selena experiences will be included in the event. A laser light show tribute finale, presented by H-E-B, will feature a special experience that Selena fans will remember for years to come. 

“My family and I are excited to celebrate this special moment of her 25 year legacy in San Antonio, Texas with her fans around the world,” added Quintanilla. “San Antonio and the Alamodome have always held a special place in our hearts and we’re honored that the city of San Antonio has welcomed us.” 

“San Antonio is honored to pay tribute to the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainer of all time by hosting SELENA XXV at the Alamodome,” said San Antonio, Texas Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Our city is committed to make this an event to remember.” 

“We’ve got so many beautiful experiences planned for Selena’s fans,” Quintanilla stated. “We’ll be rolling them out over the upcoming weeks, so make sure to follow us on all the Selena 25 social media handles for the latest updates.” 

SELENA XXV – VEINTICINCO AÑOS Tribute Concert is scheduled from 12:00 pm to 11:45pm, with doors opening at 11:00 am. For performance schedules and other concert information visit www.Selena25.com. Tickets range from $40-$200 and are on sale now through the Alamodome Box Office and www.ticketmaster.com. 

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