Música: Inside the History of Latin American Music

The New Victory Theater is gearing up to celebrate Sonia De Los Santos' upbeat, bilingual concert Música by diving into the history of Latin American music and more.

Latin America has many different rhythms and instruments that make beautiful music together. Different types of Latin American music use the same instruments in unique ways.

Before you dance in and out of your seat at the New Victory Theater, learn more about Latin American music and the themes featured in the show!

The Storytelling Approach in Música

Storytelling is a social activity that can sometimes include improvisation, theatrics and, at times, a bit of exaggeration. Every culture has its own stories or narratives, which are shared as a means of entertainment, education, cultural preservation or instilling moral values. Música is a blend of storytelling methods, such as live music, singing and, as mentioned above, Son Jarocho. The show is presented in concert-style with Sonia De Los Santos directly addressing the audience, taking them on a journey through her heritage of music and dance.

Mexican Folk Music History

Let's take a deep dive into the history of Mexican music! Son Mexicano is a prominent Mexican music style dating back to the 17th century. "Son Mexicano" means "Mexican sound" in English and is a type of Mexican folk music.

Son Jarocho is a dynamic variation of Son Mexicano that fuses Indigenous, Spanish and African traditions. Son Jarocho stands out because of its unique rhythmic patterns, vocal techniques and spontaneous creativity. This particular sound is made up of unique regional string instruments with both Indigenous and Spanish roots.

According to Hello Music Theory, throughout history, musicians have used a variety of Mexican folk music instruments ↗. Popular instruments today include the accordion, trumpet and violin.

Popular instruments of Son Jarocho:

• The Vihuela originates from the west coast and looks like a guitar.
• The Jarana jarocha from Southern Veracruz is narrower in shape than a standard guitar.
• The Jarana huasteca from eastern-central regions is known for its high-pitched sound.

Festejo music

Festejo is a lively type of music from Peru that celebrates the country’s independence and the end of slavery. Festejo can be danced in groups, pairs, or even alone at various festivals, events or celebrations. Música criolla is a type of music from Peru that mixes African and Spanish influences. Festejo is one of the most popular styles of música criolla.

Festejo Music Instruments:

• Peruvian cajón is a box shaped percussive instrument which originates from Peru.
• The conga is a drum tall and narrow in shape which originates from Cuba.
• The bongo is a pair of short drums with Afro-Cuban origins.
• The quijada is a jawbone instrument that comes from Peru.

Música is a concert that cheers women who make music and those who inspire Sonia and her all-female bandmates. Some genres you’ll experience while enjoying Música include festejo, cumbia and traditional Mexican folk. Música is a bilingual concert featuring storytelling and live music using instruments native to Mexico.

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