Music for All: Shari Mason from Mexico’s Sinfónica de Minería on music engagement and upcoming Bravo! Vail residency
June 13, 2024Mexico-based violinist Shari Mason eagerly awaits her return to Vail this summer. As concertmaster of Mexico City’s Sinfónica de Minería, she will perform as part of the esteemed orchestra’s debut residency at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival in June. “There is nothing like making music in Vail … it is a breathtaking and inspirational destination,” she said.
Earlier this year, Mason joined fellow violinist Carlos Gándara, violist Ismel Campos and cellist Rodrigo Duarte for a winter residency in Vail, celebrating the orchestra’s upcoming festival debut – an opportunity that also fostered deeper community engagement through its three bilingual, educational performances.
Connecting through music
Two of these performances were held at Battle Mountain High School, where many students speak Spanish at home but have never encountered professional musicians who know their language.
“The experience was incredibly moving for us … witnessing the students’ excitement and engagement during our performance was truly special,” Mason said. “As a Latin musician, being able to discuss music in Spanish and share our cultural heritage through music created a deeply intimate connection.”
Mason believes that early access to music is not just beneficial but vital for all students, regardless of what language they speak. “Exposure to live performances and interactions with musicians can inspire students to pursue their musical interests and appreciate the dedication required to excel in music,” she said. “This not only fosters a love for music, but it also develops skills essential for success in various aspects of life.”
Mason’s connection to music began at a young age. At two years old, she started playing the piano to make music alongside her mother, who was also a musician. Shortly after, she picked up the violin, igniting a lifelong passion for music that has shaped her into the successful musician she is today.
Mason studied at Mexico City’s “Ollin Yolitzli” music school and the National University’s School of Music, later receiving her master’s degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In addition to her role with Sinfónica de Minería, she is also concertmaster of Mexico’s National Symphony Orchestra and maintains an active career as a solo and chamber musician.
A historic Bravo! Vail residency
When Mason returns to Vail this summer, she will join Sinfónica de Minería as it makes a historic residency as the first-ever Latin American orchestra featured at Bravo! Vail.
Taking place from June 19-23, the residency will include three signature Orchestra Series concerts led by Artistic Director Carlos Miguel Prieto at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, as well as educational programs by guest artists and orchestra members at venues throughout the valley. These free programs include performances at the Avon Public Library, Gypsum Town Hall, Colorado Mountain College, St. Clare of Assisi and Edwards Interfaith Chapel.
As part of the ensemble’s Orchestral Series concerts, audiences can expect to experience some of the most internationally diverse music and guest artist performances ever featured at Bravo! Vail. Concert highlights include:
- On June 20, Sinfónica de Minería will present a classical program featuring Beethoven’s beloved Symphony No. 3, “Eroica,” and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by Bravo! Vail Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott.
- On June 22, the orchestra will perform a Spanish- and French-inspired program with music and dance featuring celebrated guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, cantaora Esperanza Fernández and flamenco dancer Isaac Tovar.
- Sinfónica de Minería will conclude its residency on June 23 with an exciting Latin American program featuring Venezuelan cuatro player Héctor Molina and world-renowned trumpet player Pacho Flores performing Paquito D’Rivera’s “Concierto Venezolano” and his own “Cantos y Revueltas,” along with other works by Latin American composers.
“I’m thrilled with all three of these concerts,” Mason said. “They’re each filled with wonderful music, and the soloists are truly amazing. I’m especially eager to play Latin American music with a Latin American orchestra in the USA, which is a first for this fantastic festival.”
An invitation to the community
Mason invites the entire Eagle County community—especially its Latin American residents—to join her for Sinfónica de Minería’s upcoming concerts and education programs, even if they haven’t encountered classical music before.
“Just come and enjoy with us,” Mason said. “You can experience for yourself that ‘classical music’ is as exciting as you are willing to make it. Let yourself get immersed in this beautiful world. And just wait for the Latin American program … it’s a fiesta Latina from beginning to end.”
Read the full article at VailDaily.com