From March 1-3 2026, the University of Kansas School of Music will once again host its annual Latin American Art Music Festival, a three-day celebration of Latin American classical music taking place in Swarthout Recital Hall.

The festival aims to bring art music into the public eye, broadening both public and scholarly engagement with this repertoire, much like the popularity of Latin American popular music.

The first concert, on March 1, will feature the Jopara Ensemble, whose music blends traditional Paraguayan elements with classical and contemporary influences. Also on the program is “Perú Negro” by the Peruvian composer Jimmy López, written for two pianos and two percussionists, which will be performed by students.

On March 2, School of Music faculty will play works by Brazilian composers Fernando Deddos and Flautino Vale, Puerto Rican composer Johanny Navarro, U.S./Paraguayan composer Miguel del Águila, and others.

Finally, on March 3, School of Music students will present works from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay by composers Manuel María Ponce, Alberto Ginastera, Francisca Gonzaga, and others. The concert will also include a world premiere by Guatemalan composer Ricardo Melchor.

You can learn more about the Festival here.