It has been said Americans know surprisingly little of the various cultures present in their own hemisphere, as past and present-day European music, literature and art dominate Americans' knowledge of foreign lifestyles.
Common stereotypes often neglect the vast cultural achievements attained just a few latitude lines to the south. Unfortunately, knowledge of Latin American music seems limited to maracas and a few lines of "La Bamba."
"A Celebration of Latin American Music," a symposium running through Saturday, aims to punch some holes in this mode of thought. The program hopes to expose as many people as possible to the enormous diversity and legacy of Latin American music.
But rather than forcing culture down listeners' throats, the events will endeavor to spark a genuine interest within the participants, encouraging them to research further the many facets of Latin American culture.
It will be the first event since the formation of the Latin and Caribbean Studies program to focus on the musical and cultural life of this vast and diverse region.
Music Professor William Summers, the coordinator of the International Hispanic Music Study Group, summed up the symposium's goal.
"We want to focus on the music and make it available in as many ways as possible. The music and the performances will lead people to want to learn more about Latin America," he said. "This is not a conference that will hit you over the head with scholarly weight."
Chanticleer, the internationally acclaimed a cappella orchestra, will perform in concert tonight in the symposium's main event.
A full-time professional chorus and one of the world's best, Chanticleer has earned a remarkable reputation for its unparalleled interpretation of vocal literature. The rich and exquisite harmony of this 12-man chorus should convince every listener of the intrinsic value of Latin American music.
"We want to let people like Chanticleer make the point [about Latin American music's value] instead of driving it home," Summers said.
"Mexican Baroque," the compact disc Chanticleer released last year, has achieved remarkable success in both the Americas and Europe. The group takes its name from the "clear-singing" rooster in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales."
In addition to Chanticleer, other musicians and lecturers will take center stage this weekend, presenting their takes on Latin American rhythms and culture.
Jose Manuel Lezcano, a recitalist and collaborative artist who has performed throughout the Americas, will present a lecture and recital titled "Guitar Music from Aztec and Inca Territory" on Saturday. His performance will focus on colonial and 20th century nationalist guitar works from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and California.
Ricardo Miranda, an extraordinary pianist, has published widely on different aspects of Mexican music. Saturday, he will speak on "Journeys of Musical Pleasure: Antonio Sarrier's OBERTURA (Morelia, Eighteenth Century)."
The symposium will include many other lectures, study sessions, and demonstrations, each conducted by leading scholars and examining the impressive legacy of Latin American music.
"We've tried to make [the events] as approachable as possible," Summers said. "A real stumbling block [for many cultural events] is that they tend to be addressed to a narrow audience."
