The Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) begins the ever popular holiday celebration of Nochebuena En Casa – with a special message of welcome by Executive Producer Thor Steingraber and hosted by the talented Dan Guerrero. This joyous family show began streaming on Friday, December 18th and will continue to put you in a holiday mood through January 1, 2021 (see link below).
Dan Guerrero – Photo by Mark Comeliussen, courtesy of The Soraya
Nochebuena En Casa, one of the traditional highlights of the seasons at the Soraya, is known for its delightful festive celebration with song and dance for the entire family during the Holiday Season. This year we begin with the dynamic music of Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, and the beautiful and talented dancers in their swirling colorful traditional dress of Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles. And with this beginning we are introduced to the Joy of the season.
This musical Christmas card then moves onto the lovely voice of the American Grammy award winner, Suzie Garcia welcoming us to join she and her husband, Mariachi Royalty, son of Pepe Martinez., Jose “Pepe” Martinez Junior. They begin with “We Wish you a Merry Xmas” in front of their beautifully decorated tree. Pepe and Suzie continue with a heartfelt rendition of “Have yourself a Merry Xmas” in Spanish and English and are then joined by their adorable daughter dressed in bows and ruffles for the season and sing ”Navidad hoy e Navidad”.
The celebration then fades to Suzanna Guzman, renowned Mezzo soprano, and a native of East L.A. Her work as a mentor and spirit of inspiration for young artists as a director of award-winning “The Opera Company (TOC) at L.A. County School for the Arts, makes this all the more stirring when she is joined by the gorgeous Music Center’s Spotlight Award Grand Prize winner in Classical Voice, 17 year old Estafani Lopez in honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary in their exquisite duet “The Prayer”…a moving moment bringing the spirit of Xmas to life.
Mariachi Garibaldi De Jaime Cuéllar then bridges to the heartfelt “Nuestra Virgen” which mesmerizes the audience moving the audience emotionally in a rendition of “Ave Maria”.
Nochebuena En Casa – Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar – Photo Luis Luque, courtesy of The Soraya
Treated to Mariachi Garibaldi De Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles performance of “Zapateado Veracruzano” it becomes a joyous energetic festival when the stage fills with the traditional costumes of Veracruz. The gorgeous skirts of pastel, trimmed with ribbons – the traditional flowered black aprons and lace poncho’s while the men in their traditional white Veracruz shirts and pantaloons, and traditional white Sombrero Veracruz. The jarana, violin, and harp are accompanied by the zapateado, the heel work of the men, as the women move across and around the stage, arms outstretched showing their gorgeous skirts in the colors of the rainbow. Yells, and whoops, added to the excitement of the moment. It is so gratifying and thrilling that this group is able to safely supersede the Covid concerns by wearing unique plastic masks almost indistinguishable to the audience.
Nochebuena En Casa – Aida Cuevas – Photo by Ricki Quinn, courtesy of The Soraya
Aida Cuevas “the Queen of Ranchera” ends this joyous celebration. Aida Cuevas’ legendary career started at the age of 11 as she went on to become world renown. She graces the program from her home in Mexico City, presenting the warmth of the holiday and is truly the Voice of Mexico. She performs “Blanca Navidad” looking gorgeous in cream and white with hints of rose. Her deep wonderful voice expresses warmth in “White Christmas”. Then, with hugs and kisses, she brings in her two little boys as they sing “Feliz Navidad” … This joyful rendition concludes with a wish from her family to the Soraya, and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Suzie Garcia, Mariachi Royalty, and daughter – Nochebuena En Casa – Photo courtesy of The Soraya
This is such a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the holiday with great music, wonderful performers, and the feel of warmth, love and family during the holidays and as the Martinez-Garcia family said “we have to remember all that we’re grateful for and all our blessings. De mi casa, a la tu casa!
All COVID-19 Compliance – Coordinated by Adam Zanoff
To enjoy Nochebuena En Casa at The Soraya, click HERE.
To visit The Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts website (The Soraya), click HERE.
Written by Joanne DiVito for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Nochebuena En Casa -Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles – Photo by Luis Luque, courtesy of The Soraya
