"Maestra Vida"
With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the resounding success of the premiere of the Symphonic-Choral version of Rubén Blades' masterpiece "Maestra Vida" during the closing of the 2025 FIU International Music Festival.
I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who made this historic event possible:
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To the great Rubén Blades for this wonderful, timeless masterpiece.
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To the FIU School of Music and its entire staff for believing in this project and making it happen.
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To Maestro Javier Mendoza and the musicians of the FIU Symphonic Orchestra for their trust and for embracing this new challenge.
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To Maestro César Miguel Rondón: it was a true privilege to hear this reflective story through the unmistakable voice of its original narrator, who didn't just recount it, but truly brought it to life.
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To the outstanding musician Alex Berti for his extraordinary orchestration.
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To the lead performers Manolo Mairena and Lena Burke, who allowed us to feel and experience this story through their masterful performance.
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To Maestro Gonzalo Grau for his artistry and musicality.
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To the distinguished artists Rodner Padilla, Tony Succar, Daniel Berroa, and all the musicians who delighted us with their remarkable talent.
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To my dear Alberto Vergara and Gunilla Alvarez, heartfelt thanks for your commitment and unconditional support, which were key to the success of such an ambitious project.
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To my dear Vladimir Quintero, for always being present.
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To my dear Ale and Facu, for capturing this beautiful memory so perfectly.
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To my great friends Maria Adela Alvarado and Amada Soriano, for being a constant source of inspiration...
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To my Encantus: the pride I feel is immense! Thank you for your unwavering loyalty and for being key players in this story that keeps unfolding...
Finally, but certainly not least, my deepest gratitude goes out to the audience who joined us. Your presence filled the Concert Hall at FIU with the very best energy and turned these evenings into an unforgettable celebration of this Latin music gem.
Thank you all for being part of this story!
VIRTUAL PREMIERE
"The Star-Spangled Banner"
July 4th represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. Its national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" was proclaimed by the National Congress of the United States of America on March 3rd, 1931.
The lyrics belong to a poem written by Francis Scott Key, adapted from a British folk song by John Stafford Smith "To Anacreon in Heaven". Encantus Voices, conducted by our choir Director Maibel Troia, with deep gratitude, wants to make a tribute to this nation that shelters us, making our dreams come true, and remembering our beloved country, Venezuela, by celebrating American Independence Day.
Kodiak Agüero Orta, a Venezuelan musician, arranger, and photographer, made this wonderful version based on Whitney Houston’s performance in the Super Bowl XXV in 1991 in Tampa, Florida.
"We are the World"
After a year filled with learning, reflection, and growth, Encantus Voices & Ensemble—joined by our friends from Ensamble 7/4 and directed by Maestra Maibel Troia—is thrilled to share with you this extraordinary arrangement by our beloved Maestro Tarcisio Barreto, which leaves us with beautiful messages of love, hope, rebirth, and gratitude for Life.
"VIVALDI'S GLORIA"
Encantus Voices and Kameristika Chamber Orchestra
GLORIA RV 589 BY ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)
- Gloria in excelsis Deo (Chorus)
- Et in terra pax hominibus (Chorus)
- Laudamus te (Sopranos I y II)
- Gratias agimus tibi
- Propter magnam gloriam (Chorus)
- Domine Deus (Soprano)
- Domine Fili unigenite (chorus)
- Domine Deus, Agnus Dei (Contralto and Chorus)
- Qui tollis peccata mundi (Chorus)
- Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris (Contralto)
- Quoniam tu solus sanctus (Chorus)
- Cum Sancto Spiritu (Chorus)
Conducted by: Maibel Troia
Soloists: Elizabeth Quintanales (Soprano) and Adriana Portales (Contralto)