New season focuses on Hispanic world

By Freya Bergren

The Orchestra of New Spain’s 2026-27 Season titled “Looking South Anew,” offers a revealing and focused representation of music from Latin America ranging from the baroque to the 20th century, highlighted by a fully staged production of Argentinian Tango dance theater. 

The season brings back performers who have most impressed audiences in recent years.  

The season begins Sunday, Oct. 18 at Christ the King Catholic Church with an orchestral concert entitled “For All the Saints” with baroque works of Mexico and Latin America selected by Billy Traylor, guest conductor and musicologist recognized for his Austin Baroque Orchestra. 

Composers in Latin America were often priests from Spain and Italy, who influenced the local criollos to produce works often incorporating indigenous dance rhythms.

The first of three Salon events are on November 7 in the home and garden of music patrons Richard and Enika Schulze with a program of Arabic and Persian classical and contemporary music performed by world class oud player Rahim AlHaj, who teams up with Persian strings specialist Ehsan Shafiee. Weather permitting this should be a charming outdoor event in the Schulze’s garden.

The second major orchestral concert takes place on January 10 with a courtly Spanish baroque Epiphany Matins accompanied by the voices of Inspirata Chorale. In the sanctuary of Christ the King Catholic Church with its glorious Christmas decorations, this grand Epiphany celebration closes with audience favorites: spritely villancicos of Padre Antonio Solar. All are invited post concert to a reception in the church community room.

Maestro Wilkins said, “In the planning of this our 38th season it felt like a good time to focus on the Hispanic world looking south to Mexico, the Caribbean and South America, and to ‘encore’ some favorite performers of past seasons.”

Season subscriptions can be purchased at orchestraofnewspain.org or by calling 214-871-5000.