Point South Mexico - Real Estate and Lifestyle Magazine

The Lake Chapala, Ajijic Mx area of Mexico prides itself on having a diverse cultural scene, including English language theatre, resident artists with private galleries, and many classical music concerts. Of these events, the annual Northern Lights Music Festival each February that takes place in Ajijic Mx has become perhaps the largest and most anticipated of these cultural happenings. “In just five years, it’s become one of the region’s most important music festivals, trailing only Guadalajara’s legendary mariachi festival,” said David Agren, Toronto Star.

So what is it about Ajijic Mx, that makes it a magnet for such cultural diversity? On the shores of Mexico’s grandest lake are many lovely towns and villages, but the cultural pulse is found in Ajijic Mx (A-hee-HEEK), a historic pueblo with narrow cobblestone streets that give it a charming village feel. Because of large numbers of visitors from nearby Guadalajara, and especially because of a huge community of Canadians and other retirees, the town is exceptionally endowed with a vibrant scene of arts, culture, and cuisine. And all are presented year round under the blue skies of a perfect climate.

For six years now, over 25 world-class musicians have been packing their violins, flutes, and cellos, and trekking south to Ajijic, Mx, from all over Canada to perform in the Northern Lights Music Festival. What exactly is their motive? It’s not simply for the climate (although leaving Canada in February is not looked upon as a hardship). No, it is because of the joy of performing for warm and appreciative audiences, who for six years now, have devotedly attended dozens of concerts—some very moving, some thrilling, some just plain astonishing. These musicians, even those in their freshman year in the Festival, all feel as if they are coming home. They stay with generous hosts, have most rehearsals in private homes, and enjoy the camaraderie of shared meals. No wonder they perform with such committment and enthusiasm! Indeed, the Northern Lights Music Festival, a winner of Lakeside’s “International Event of the Year” three years running, is an event they wouldn’t miss.

The dream of a festival in Ajijic, Mx began seven years ago, when Artistic Director Christopher Wilshere was studying advanced music at the University of Toronto and the Glenn Gould School. Since 1998, Chris had donated time helping to teach Mexican music students in the Lake Chapala area whenever he was visiting his grandmother who had retired to Ajijic. He had also been invited many times to play his violin and had received rave reviews.

These were the seeds that grew to become a festival that would bring musical enrichment to Lakeside audiences and Mexican students. Moreover, Chris wanted to create a special opportunity for fellow first-rate musicians to play really good music with a collegial group in an intense, total-immersion atmosphere. This is something that all good musicians yearn for but seldom attain. And so, with enthusiastic support from the Lakeside community the Northern Lights Music Festival was born. Said the Hamilton Spectator back in 2003 when the festival was still a dream: “If Chris’ future plans are anything like his present endeavours, he’ll be singing, ‘cause it’s a very sweet symphony, this life….”