Chamamé: The Spirit of the South American Missions

Chamamé is a traditional musical genre and dance style from northeastern Argentina, particularly the province of Corrientes, and also parts of Paraguay and southern Brazil. It blends Indigenous Guaraní, Spanish Baroque, and Central European folk influences, reflecting the region’s unique cultural history—especially the legacy of the Jesuit missions in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 2020, UNESCO recognized Chamamé as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming its importance as a living tradition that continues to evolve while preserving its deep-rooted identity.

Chamamé is more than just music—it's a reflection of a hybrid culture shaped by colonization, evangelization, migration, and resistance. Today, it serves as both a local tradition and a global art form, celebrated in festivals and concert halls around the world.

In this program, Brazil-based Argentine composer, accordionist, and researcher Alejandro Brittes delves into his chamamé heritage through a dynamic split program that weaves together Baroque orchestration, jazz improvisation, and traditional folk elements. Brittes has collaborated with international ensembles such as: Orquestra Sinfônica de Mato Grosso do Sul, Camerata Del Sol, among others, given masterclasses at institutions such as Georgetown, UT El Paso, etc. and has been commissioned to produce performances by Americas Society (NYC). 

"Premier exponent of Chamamé" - Boston Globe

"The festival’s most unanticipated delight was a set by Alejandro Brittes" -San Francisco Classical Voice

Alejandro Brittes - accordion

André Ely - seven-stringed guitar

Carlos de Césaro - contrabass

Beau Bledsoe - baroque guitar

Mark Lowrey - piano

Rich Wheeler - tenor saxophone

Ezgi Karakus - cello

Christine Brebes - violin

Christine Grossman - violin

Katherine Medina - violin

John Crow - violin

Tickets must be purchased in advance.