TAMIU Hosts Honduran Musical Performances Friday

Two ethnic ensembles from the Escuela Nacional de Música in Tegucigalpa, Honduras will perform at Texas A&M International University’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital hall on Friday, Jan. 28 from 1 - 3 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.  In addition to the performances, the 17-member group will provide special explanations and workshops / interactions with school groups from Laredo public and private schools.  The program is suited to all age groups.

One group, “Acropolis Percussion,” under the direction of professor Cristobal Pineda, are artist-students playing Garifuna drums and other percussion.  The second group, “Najari Latino” (Latin spirit in the Garifuna language), is directed by professor Gerson Hernandez and performs Honduran music fused with Latin rhythms.  Flute professor Jessie Godoy will assist in the performances. The Honduran Garifuna people live along the north sea coast of the country.

For some time, TAMIU faculty have engaged in exchange programs with Honduras and especially with the Escuela Nacional de Música (ENM). TAMIU associate professor Dr. Susan Berdahl served as Fulbright Professor of music at that institution from 1997-2000 and returns biannually as artist and director of the International Flute Festival.

Dr. Berdahl said the performances are made possible with the generous support of many.

“In addition to Joe Guerra and the performers, we thank the United States Embassy in Honduras, Nelia Chavarria, director of the ENM and the City of Laredo for making this event possible,” she said.

TAMIU assistant professor Brendan Townsend recently appeared as guest conductor of the Honduran Symphony Orchestra, while Joe Guerra, TAMIU adjunct instructor, provided an eight-day percussion workshop with jazz performances last March at the ENM. Guerra arranged for the group’s Laredo visit.

Both groups are on a US tour that includes New York City and Washington, D.C., under the auspices of the Honduran Consulate.

The Honduran groups will also perform at Saturday’s Jamboozie Festival in downtown Laredo on Stage 1 from 5:00-8:30 PM Saturday.

For additional information, contact Dr. Berdahl at the University, 326.2658 or the University’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180. 

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu