The sixth edition of Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Hispanic Heritage Festival took place last weekend.
Organized by Wellington residents Estibaliz Gastesi and Márcio Bezerra, this year’s main attraction was the renowned mother-and-son duo, cellist Leonardo and pianist Ana Altino, who presented a program with works by Marlos Nobre and Heitor Villa-Lobos.
On Sunday, Gastesi and Bezerra presented a program of piano duets by Ricardo Tacuchian and Dimitri Cervo, as well as several Spanish classical songs with Palm Beach Atlantic voice students.
“It was a unique opportunity to collaborate with the talented singers of PBA,” Bezerra said. “The school has some of the top singing professors in the country, so we were not surprised that the program was a resounding success.”
This year’s festival marked the 75th birthdays of two major Brazilian composers, Marlos Nobre and Ricardo Tacuchian.
“The festival is a great way to showcase classical music from Latin America, a region that is so well known by its popular music,” Gastesi said.
“That emphasis on classical music, and the inclusion of poetry readings by El Alma Hispana, makes our festival unique in the U.S.,” Bezerra added.
The duo also stressed the support they have received from School of Music and Fine Arts Dean Dr. Lloyd Mims.
“Thanks to him, a single event conceived to commemorate our 10 years in Palm Beach County has become a yearly festival with an important presence in the university’s calendar,” Gastesi said.
ABOVE: (L-R) Jasmine Williams, Patricia Sonntag, Naiara Bezerra, Parker Treftz and Carlos Plaza.
