Navidad is a celebration of the Christmas season through the lens of diverse Latin American traditions, and the name of a concert by early music specialists the Toronto Consort. Songs from the rich traditions of South America form the core of the program.
The concert takes place on December 6. We asked musician and curator Estaban La Rotta to delve into some of the details for the upcoming performance.
Lutenist Estaban La Rotta
Toronto Consort artist Estaban La Rotta is returning to the company to lead the project. La Rotta is a noted lutenist who studied at the Civica Scuola di Musica di Milano with Paul Beier, and later in Montreal. There, he received his doctorate in baroque guitar performance.
His studies led him to focus on the lute and its emergence as a polyphonic instrument, which in turn led him to the repertoire of the late medieval period and early Renaissance. He studied the solo repertoire for lute of that era at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland.
Today, as a specialist in a range of early plucked instruments, and Estaban maintains a busy career as both soloist and continuo player. He is also a specialist in Baroque Italian and French repertoire for solo theorbo.
Estaban La Rotta: Q&A
LvT: Why did you choose to perform this particular theme of Navidad?
ELR: Music plays an important part in the culture of the South American tradition, particularly for the end of the year celebrations.
As the result of centuries of cultural blending — since the arrival of the Europeans at the end of the 15th century in Latin America — it is not a surprise that the musical traditions are variated and unique, mixing traditions, rhythms, and melodies, each characteristic of a region, but all united in one land. That is how side by side we hear African rhythms, Spanish (with its Arabic influence) flavoured tunes, and Andean folk melodies. Our concert celebrates this diversity.
The concert features the piece Navidad Nuestra, written by the Argentinean composer Ariel Ramirez, (composer of the song made famous by Mercedes Sosa-Alfonsina y el mar). Ramirez re-tells the Christmas story using different traditional rhythms for each movement. It’s quite an interesting piece. Our version is special because we will be using baroque instruments to perform it!
LvT: What other pieces will be performed?
ELR: We will also perform selections from the Codex Trujillo del Perú, also known as the Martínez Compañón Codex. Compiled by Bishop Martínez Compañón in the 18th century in the Virreinato del Perú, this collection documents the cultural traditions of the region, including flora, fashion, and music. It offers a rare glimpse into the oral musical traditions of the time.
To contrast, we will present Baroque-era music written for cathedrals, showcasing a more European style influenced by Latin American culture. Composers include Antonio Durán de la Mota, Manuel de Sumaya, and Manuel de Mesa y Carrizo.
LvT: Who are the performers?
ELR: Esteban La Rotta and the Toronto Consort are thrilled to collaborate with Rodrigo Chávez (Chile) and Ernesto Cárdenas (Peru), experts in traditional South American music, alongside Bolivian baroque violinist Karin Cuéllar and Montreal-based artists Janelle Lucyk and Kerry Bursey.
Music-making is storytelling, and early music offers a unique lens through which to experience those stories. It connects us to the sounds, emotions, and cultural expressions of the past, providing a richer understanding of our shared history. By performing early music today, we keep these stories alive, preserving traditions and offering fresh perspectives that resonate with modern audiences. This act of preservation bridges generations, giving depth to our cultural identity and ensuring these vibrant stories continue to inspire the future. Join us to explore and celebrate this timeless connection.
Esteban is a member of the Toronto Consort and also served as an Artistic Associate, continuing now with the Consort in this exciting new chapter of the ensemble’s history.
- Find out more details about the performance on December 6 at the Trinity St-Paul’s Centre [HERE].
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