It was only a few months ago I searched the internet for a CD of Missa Criolla - with no luck. It seemed no one had recorded it. Then - I found it on a CD at yesterday's concert and am happy that coro hispano has indeed recorded it. They need to get it 'out there'. Listening to it last evening again brought back a flood of memory of student days and listening to the Missa Criolla. It took us all by storm; a way to joyfully celebrate the mass - the Ordinary in the vernacular. Signs of change, signs of revolution (for the good), signs of excitement.
Some of the songs on the last part of the CD I remember from Christmas concerts at the mission - sung by the wonderful fraters as well as their mixed choir. The la peregrinacion nearly stabbed my heart because it's been decades since I've heard it. Now a new generation is bringing the music to a larger audience - and it is certainly well served by this group. The conductor, annotator, musicologist, singer - Senor Gaffney R is remarkable. Well, he has a huge repertoire from which to choose as a specialist in music of the Hispanic world - he's got Europe/new world and from the middle ages to the contemporary.
--- Long time concert-goer.
I have just heard your splendid concert this evening at Bridges Hall of Music at Pomona College. I should be delighted to have you as an interview guest on my classical show, 'NeoClassical'. --- Ann Koegel
From the presenters:
I have been thinking about your beautiful concert for Hemet for the past two weeks, and replaying it in my mind’s ears. Such wonderful music, so lovingly and livingly performed – the sounds you made were thrilling, moving, touching, hilarious, loving and altogether delightful. The contrast between the songs that opened the two halves of the program tell a story of a time when real music was part of daily life – I wish I could awaken each day singing Cantico del Alba. And I just love the sheer joy of El Tilingo-Lingo!! The passionate singing of La Golondrina by Mimi Ruiz brought tears to my eyes, in which I was not alone, as this song has special meaning to those of us in this community.
Diane Mitchell, President, Hemet Community Concert Association
