The University of Memphis is home to a wide variety of cultures, a true melting pot. Throughout the year events are held in the Memphis community to celebrate each unique culture, September 15 – October 15 the community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.
For the past several years, the Cazateatro Bilingual Theater Group “has produced the Latin Fest to commemorate the occasion and delight thousands of Memphians.” The festival is a family-oriented Latin festival that provides Memphians a place to gather and listen and dance to live Latin music, enjoy the delicious Latin food, and support local craft makers and vendors. There is something for everyone.
As a part of this year’s Latin Fest, several faculty and students of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music were invited to perform at Overton Square.
“We had a wonderful time performing at this year’s Latin Fest,” said Dr. William Shaltis, director for The Percussion Group, “Our program included a selection of folkloric tunes from Mexico, all performed on a marimba in the Chiapan style. Cazateatro had performances throughout the day that featured something for everyone, and we were happy that we could join the fiesta!”
Professor of Voice, Paulina Villarreal, and M.M. student Carlos Romero were invited by Opera Memphis to be a part of their set for Latin Fest.
“Performing at Latin Fest was a truly amazing experience. It’s always great to see the Latinx community coming together to celebrate our heritage and our culture through music,” said Romero.
Romero and Villarreal were also featured in the Cazateatro and Opera Memphis collaboration celebrating Dia de los Muertos at the Brooks Museum. Doctoral student, Desiree Soto was also invited to perform as a part of the celebration.
The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music is proud to see our students active in the community and using their talents to celebrate their heritage