GAYLORD, MN, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 — La Grande Bande’s third complete season continues this month with activities on Friday, February 25. The third season performance entitled Music from New Spain, will take place in New Ulm at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
Originally intended to be performed during LGB’s 2020-2021 season, Music from New Spain unites music and history in a one-of-a-kind performance. “We’re essentially recreating parts of the 1649 Consecration celebrations for the Puebla Cathedral that took place in Puebla, México. I saw the Cathedral on a trip to Puebla in 2016, and I was blown away by its size and beautiful architecture inside and out. So, I wanted to create a program inspired by the Cathedral.”
Asmus found further inspiration during conversations with Dr. Luisa Vilar-Payá, a scholar based in Puebla who studies the Cathedral’s musical history. Vilar-Payá’s research focuses on the Consecration service at the Cathedral. “We’ll be singing beautiful Gregorian chant and incredible music that was written specifically for the Consecration by Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla. There will also be readings and some organ music as well.” The Consecration Rite is a very important service within the Catholic Church because it turns the building into a sacred space that can be used for Mass. The Rite was incredibly important for Puebla’s inhabitants and for the Bishop at the time, Juan de Palafox y Mendoza.
Building works on the beautiful and ornate Puebla Cathedral had been all but abandoned when Palafox arrived in Puebla in 1640. Palafox’s arrival revived the building of the Cathedral and created immense tensions in the Cathedral Chapter. “I don’t want to give it all away,” Asmus noted, “but there was some unbelievable intrigue and politicking that took place during Palafox’s tenure. The whole affair ended in this huge political battle. The Puebla Cathedral, as it stands now, is a testament to Palafox’s tenaciousness and determination. Without him, the Cathedral wouldn’t exist.”
La Grande Bande’s activities begin on February 25 with a free Open Rehearsal Session from 3:00-5:00 in the Cathedral. A pre-concert talk will be given by Luisa Vilar-Payá in the Cathedral basement. The concert begins in the Cathedral at 7:30. Tickets are required for to attend the pre-concert talk and the concert.
Tickets for the February 25 activities are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. To order tickets, visit www.lagrandebande.org/tickets or call 507-237-6539. Reserving tickets in advance is strongly encouraged. Seating for each concert is general admission. A ticket is required for admission to all pre-concert talks. LGB’s Open Rehearsal sessions remain free of charge and open to all.
COVID-19 statement: La Grande Bande is following CDC and MDH guidelines and encouraging attendees to wear a mask and to be fully vaccinated. Currently, proof of vaccination or a negative test are not required. All attendees must complete a verbal health screening before entering the performance or pre-concert talk. For the latest up-to-date information on LGB’s covid policy visit our website www.lagrandebande.org/covid.