Music of the Americas: Guitars from South and Central America

Wednesday, April 3, 10 am

Guitarist and composer Aldair Navarro was born in Peru and started performing in rock and blues bands, while also receiving the influence of traditional Peruvian music, studying guitar with Pepe Torres. 

From São Paulo, he sent us this version of his solo guitar piece "Caminos," which combines techniques associated with classical and South American music. 

Thursday, April 4, 10 am

Costa Rican guitarist Adrián Alvarado studied guitar at the Universidad de Costa Rica and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He participated in masterclasses with Eduardo Martín, Juan Carlos Laguna, and José Ángel Navarro, among others. He is also a teacher of classical and electric guitar and was a member of the several guitar orchestras in Costa Rica. He has performed across the Americas. 

He sent us this version of Alonso Torres' "Apasillado," a piece based on the traditional pasillo rhythm.

Friday, April 5, 10 am

John Mueller is an award-winning singer and songwriter from Blumenau, in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. In 2023, he won second prize for the best online release at Fenac (Festival Nacional da Canção) and the prize for best singer at Prêmio Profissionais. Mueller has released three albums and a DVD. He has collaborated with artists such as Armandinho Macêdo and has participated in international festivals. In 2024 he launched the single “Alvoroço.”

From home in Blumenau, John sent us this version of his samba-choro "É Só Cuidar," a playful song that reflects on the need for a spiritual protection in our everyday lives. 

The MetLife Foundation Music of the Americas concert series is made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsor MetLife Foundation.

The Spring 2024 Music program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, by the Howard Gilman Foundation, by the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation, by the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, by the Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, by The Amphion Foundation, by the Augustine Foundation, and by the Mex-Am Cultural Foundation.