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….”

The Northern Lights Music Festival has, since its inception, been committed to the development of classical music in Mexico, especially through Mexican youth. The group has incorporated classical works by outstanding Mexican composers and had many guest Mexican musicians. Throughout the festival, Guadalajara’s up and coming musicians attend rehearsals and concerts by the festival musicians. They are given free master classes and view this as an opportunity to study with some of Canada’s best musicians. Over 30 young music students receive this opportunity as well as attending special free concerts for Mexican students in Jocotepec, Chapala and Guadalajara. Under the headline: “Northern Lights takes Lakeside by Storm,” Jeanne Chaussee wrote in the February 2004 Guadalajara Reporter, “ The kids went wild over the ensemble, clapping, stamping their feet and then swarming around them asking for autographs.” These free concerts and lessons are sponsored with the help of Sextant Capital Management, the Canadian Government, Bancomer, and the generous benefactors and patrons of the festival.

The seventh annual Northern Lights Music festival (NLMF) in Ajijic Mx, takes place from February 27 to March 7, 2009. The festival is anchored by the Northern Lights Festival Chamber Orchestra. (See the festival web site at www.northernlightsmusic.ca for details.)

This year’s conductor is the brilliant associate concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Mark Skazinetsky. Says Chris Wilshere: “Mr. Skazinetsky is also a prominent chamber musician and can be heard frequently on CBC Radio and in recital halls throughout the country. It is a privilege and a real delight to welcome Mark to Ajijic, and to the NLMF.”

The exceptional quality of the orchestra is best illustrated by Louise Drummond, then editor of the Lake Chapala Review: “I attended the last Northern Lights concert of the season. I have never before heard such lovely sounds coming from a string orchestra. Tones that are usually tinny were full, what is usually an intellectual experience was passionate. Thanks to Artistic Director Chris Wilshere, attendance was high because of the Northern Lights Festival’s consistent excellence.”

In keeping with the Canadian theme, figure skating legend, Toller Cranston, will be exhibiting paintings following a Saturday afternoon piano and strings concert at Sol Y Luna Galeria in Ajijic. Northern Lights Chairman, Tom Gladney will be on hand to greet the Canadian icon who intends to be present for several of the festival’s key events. Mr. Cranston has been living and painting in San Miguel de Allende for the last 18 years. Never one to disappoint, we are certain the vernissage and concert will be among the most popular of this year’s offerings.

Some of the other highlights of this Ajijic Mx, festival will include Sue Hoeppner, a world famous flautist and recording artist, who will entertain audiences with her 18-carat golden flute, in a concert filled with short romantic and popular works. The Hot Jazz String quartet returns, featuring Drew Jurecka and friends. Inspired by Django Reinhardt, these musicians blew Ajijic audiences away last year with their humour, talent, incredible diversity and skill.

Another special treat will be Canada’s Vancouver-based Trio Accord. Says Artistic Director Tom Rolston of the Summer Music Program, Banff Centre of the Arts: “They are imaginative, especially talented and a rarity. String trios of this quality are not easy to find in Canada if at all.” Rounding out the highlights will be Angela Park, pianist, who has established herself as one of Canada’s leading young musicians. Angela has been recorded and broadcast numerous times on CBC radio and NPR in the United States, and was recently a medal winner at the 2007 Maria Canals International Competition in Barcelona.

A truly remarkable group, in a truly remarkable town, Ajijic Mx.