Who are these Northern Lights Musicians that we keep hearing so much about? Why are people becoming patrons, and corporations and governments sponsoring them?
Since 1998, Chris Wilshere, the Artistic Director, had donated much of his time to helping teach young Mexican students in the Lake Chapala area, and this experience inspired him to bring more music to Ajijic, for audience pleasure as well as for the enrichment of Mexican students. The first Festival was held in 2003. This year 25 world class Canadian musicians will be taking the stage at the Auditorio, in La Floresta.
The Northern Lights Music Festival has, since its inception, been committed to the development of classical music in Mexico, especially among Mexican youth. Throughout the festival, Guadalajara's up and coming musicians shall attend rehearsals and concerts put on by the festival musicians. They will be given free master classes, a translator present, to help communicate the musical ideas from the festival musicians to these Guadalajaran youngsters. Over 30 music students are to receive this opportunity this year. Most master classes will be at the University of Guadalajara; some will be held in local homes, especially for our young Golden Strings musicians. There will also be free concerts for Mexican students in Jocotepec, Chapala and Guadalajara. This year, their outreach will go further afield than ever, with the help of Sextant Capital Management, the Canadian Government, Bancomer, and the generous private benefactors and patrons of the Festival. They will be touring to nearby cities, including Aguascalientes, performing for students, and the public, and giving master classes, too.
It looks to be a great experience for both the seasoned musicians from the Festival and some lucky and talented Mexican youth.
To thank the generous Festival supporters who make this possible, the Northern Lights arranged three private concerts just for patrons, benefactors and sponsors. One of these was held in January at the Nueva Posada. Two are in Lakeside homes. This year, purchase of these tickets will be the only way to hear the fabulous Trio Accord. Refreshments are included at these wonderful private events. The opening night party will be at the home of Roseann and Anthony Wilshere, where everyone hangs out and chats up their favorite musicians, and the jazz group usually get up and give you some extra fun. Being a patron of the festival is non-stop musical excitement for two weeks. If your musical preference is either classical music or jazz, contact Paula McTavish to become a patron of the festival and enjoy private concerts, as well as the 5 concerts at the Auditorio, in La Floresta. The cost is 1250 pesos per person and includes all events. Support Mexican music students and enjoy great music for a price that would make your friends at home envious! Paula can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 766-2866.
The festival runs from February 20 to March 1. Tickets are available at the Lake Chapala Society from 10 -12 daily and at Charter Club Tours in the Montaña Plaza. Individual tickets range from 150 - 200 pesos. All concerts are at the Auditorio in La Floresta and start at 7:30 pm. Twenty-five of Canada's top professional musicians will participate in this year's festival, performing in thirteen different concerts over eleven days. For further information contact: Tom Gladney: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 416-626-8088, and/or visit www.northernlightsmusic.ca.
