¡FIESTA BARROCA LATINA!
A meeting with the musicians and dancers of the Swedish group Ensemble Villancico will transport us to eighteenth-century Latin America. As the audience enters the hall, a priest is just finishing the Mass. The faithful leave the church in a procession, heading toward the town square, where a colorful fiesta awaits them—an expression of a rich and diverse cultural heritage in which the musical traditions of Indigenous peoples, Africans, and Europeans intertwine.
Pedro is hopelessly in love with Amalia, but she—absorbed in herself and her appearance—shows him little interest. The townspeople eagerly comment on the twists and turns of their romance. Amalia begins to flirt with the priest and disappears with him from the square for a while. When they return, rumors are already circulating—accusations emerge, Pedro is heartbroken, Amalia grows anxious, yet the priest’s authority remains unquestioned. In a moment of collective reflection, life goes on.
The fiesta resumes, and despite all obstacles, Amalia and Pedro are finally brought together—with the help of two matchmakers. Unexpectedly, the priest is called upon to marry them. Now there are even more reasons to celebrate, and ¡Fiesta barroca Latina! concludes in an atmosphere of singing, dancing, and joyful festivity.
ENSEMBLE VILLANCICO
The ensemble is a pioneer in introducing Latin American Baroque music to Scandinavian stages. Founded in 1995 on the initiative of Peter Pontvik, the group has since toured extensively in more than 30 countries, earning a reputation as one of Scandinavia’s leading ensembles specializing in this vibrant repertoire.
By combining the rhythmic vitality and rich colors of early Latin American Baroque music with the clarity and precision of the Swedish vocal and instrumental tradition, Ensemble Villancico has developed its own distinctive style. The group is renowned for its bright sound, expressive performances, and theatrical flair, which have won acclaim from international audiences.
The ensemble’s achievements include numerous recordings, a nomination for the Swedish Grammy Award, an interpretation prize, as well as radio and television recordings in Sweden and abroad.
PETER PONTVIK
Born in Copenhagen, Peter Pontvik is a composer, conductor, music producer, and musicologist. He studied in Sweden, Uruguay, and Germany. He composes chamber and choral music while also conducting research into early music. In 1995 he founded Ensemble Villancico and currently serves as Artistic Director of the Stockholm Early Music Festival and EARLY MUSIC SWEDEN. He was also President of REMA – the European Early Music Network (2011–2015) and currently chairs the Nordic network NORDEM. Pontvik is also the initiator of Early Music Day (March 21), now celebrated throughout Europe. His work has been honored, among others, with the title “Music Promoter of the Year” awarded by Sweden Festivals and the Swedish Early Music Award.
The project was co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund—a state special-purpose fund—within the framework of the “Music” program implemented by the National Institute of Music and Dance, as well as by the City of Gliwice.
* The concert will be preceded by the awards gala of the “Śląsk Innovator” competition organized by the Upper Silesian Market Entrepreneurship Accelerator Ltd.
