Alondra de la Parra grew up in Mexico City determined to convey her love of music to the world by conducting orchestras great and small.
Her dream came true even before she graduated from the Manhattan School of Music. To spread popular awareness of symphonic music from the New World, she founded the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas in 2004.
Already recognized as a major talent, she will conduct Plácido Domingo’s unique concert, “From My Latin Soul,” which precedes the Washington National Opera gala at the Organization of American States. While both were attending a Carnegie Hall concert conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, she introduced herself to him backstage and was amazed when he smiled and replied, “I know who you are.”
It’s no wonder that Domingo was aware of the vivacious young woman who holds a master’s degree in conducting. Only 28 years old, she already has led major orchestras worldwide, won numerous awards and has taken her New York-based POA on international tours. This summer, she will lead it in residencies at California’s Napa Valley Festival del Sole and the Stowe Summer Music Festival in Vermont.
Her accomplishments were featured last year in a story appearing in The New York Times, and she was named by Symphony magazine as one of six “Young Artists on the Rise.” The opportunity to conduct the Washington National Opera Orchestra and the Mariachi Real de México band accompanying Domingo is another great honor.
“After making the acquaintance of Domingo’s son at a restaurant, we became friends, but I was astounded when he called and told me his father would like me to conduct this concert,” she says. “Domingo had a clear idea of the music he wanted to include. There are some Latin songs, some zarzuela, some tangos and mariachi numbers. However, he did take my suggestion of one instrumental piece, Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez.”
The piece, commissioned in 1994 and based on the music of Cuba and the Veracruz region of Mexico, has become so popular it is regarded by many as Mexico’s second national anthem.
Like Domingo, de la Parra wants the world to become acquainted with Latin American composers. Whether at home in New York or on tour, she spends considerable time visiting schools and inspiring children to discover, enjoy and understand music.
“Children are like sponges and love having a creative experience,” she says. “In Mexico City, I visit some of the poorest neighborhoods, the forgotten sections where the love of music is all they have.”
She is so famous in her homeland that she has been invited to promote Mexican tourism.
“I love sharing with the audiences who come to my concerts and follow my work that the country has every kind of paradise you can think of: mountains, beaches, deserts and rare eco-systems,” she says. “It’s an extraordinary country, just as the songs Domingo will sing show the different characters of the Latin soul. They are deeply moving, flavorful and beautiful.”
If you go
Alondra de la Parra conducts “Plácido Domingo Sings: From My Latin Soul,” the tenor’s most beloved Latin music
Where: DAR Constitution Hall, 18th and D streets NW
When: 8 tonight
Tickets: $45 to $200; 202-397-7328, ticketmaster.com
Information: dc-opera.org
Gala package includes concert, dinner and entertainment. The gala will follow at 9:30 p.m. at the Organization of American States. Tickets start at $500. For information, call 202-295-2486.
