Pablo Sáinz-Villegas demonstrates one of his idiosyncrasies: his hands differ in length. For a classical guitarist, "the left hand requires a lot of stretching," he said, and over the years, that stretching led to his left hand becoming a half inch longer.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
If Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, hailed worldwide as the soul of the Spanish guitar, ever tires of being an internationally acclaimed virtuoso, he could take up a career as a diplomat.
During Noche Alegre, a post-concert reception and discussion March 30 hosted by the CSO Latino Alliance in Grainger Ballroom, Sáinz-Villegas proved that he views his role as a global ambassador seriously. He fielded questions on a variety of unlikely topics — such as his mismatched hands (one is a half inch longer), his favorite opera (it’s not The Barber of Seville) and his muse (“my wife”) — how’s that for the ultimate diplomatic answer? But in his case, it’s obvious that his response is sincere, given his heartfelt acknowledgment of his spouse, who attended the event.
Even more evidence of his diplomatic nature was his graciously worded request as he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Bernard Labadie as soloist in works by Vivaldi and Boccherini. Remarking on how the audience had clapped between movements of the program’s first work, Sáinz-Villegas asked listeners to hold their applause until the end, because “music is like a book with different chapters” and should be savored without distractions (like between-movement clapping).
At intermission, Sáinz-Villegas was spotted on the staircase between the first floor and mezzanine levels and graciously acceded to fans’ requests for photos. Later, before the reception began, he posed for another barrage of photos with the ease of a seasoned politician.
Then with the Latino Alliance’s Angélica Cano and co-chair Ramiro Atristaín-Carrión serving as moderators, Sáinz-Villegas spoke about his journey to becoming what many have called “the successor to Segovia” (referring to the Spanish guitar icon. He responded to a Santa-length list of audience inquiries, including:
What instrument would he like to play, if not the guitar? “The violin. I know, it’s a predictable choice.” Laughing, he added: “Sorry not to be more original.”
What is his secret passion? “Dark chocolate and mezcal from Oaxaca in Mexico. But let’s not let that get out” because it might dry up the supply.
Who would he choose as a collaborator? “Your guy, Riccardo Muti!”
His comments kept circling back to the overwhelming power of music. “It brings us together. It’s about sharing,” he said. “It always reminds us that there is something greater that lies within ourselves.
Ever the diplomat, he stressed the importance of furthering the cause of music. “It’s a responsibility I gladly assume because music is for everyone.”
Before the discussion segment begins, Pablo Sáinz-Villegas stops to take a photo with two attendees.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Guests enjoy refreshments at the reception, which featured wines and desserts. Coincidentally, Pablo Sáinz-Villegas is from Spain's region of La Rioja, traditionally regarded as that nation's most prestigious wine-producing area.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas fields questions from moderators Angélica Cano and Ramiro Atristaín-Carrión, Latino Alliance co-chair.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas reacts to a question posed by Ramiro Atristaín-Carrión (right) and Angélica Cano.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Grainger Ballroom, on the mezzanine level of Orchestra Hall, was the setting for the Latino Alliance's Noche Alegre event.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
"As Latinos, we experience the world through our hearts," Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, a native of Spain, who now lives in New York City, tells the crowd. "In the end, it's about sharing your voice with love."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Queta Rodriguez Bauer, a board member of Lyric Opera's Ryan Center, asks Pablo Sáinz-Villegas if he's an opera fan. He tells her he is, and his "favorite work isn't what you'd expect."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Latino Alliance board member Maria Angelica Cuellar addresses a question to Pablo Sáinz-Villegas.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
A guest in the front row captures the action on her cellphone.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Latino Alliance members Rina Magarici, co-chair; Maria Angelica Cuellar and Juan Solana pose with Pablo Sáinz-Villegas.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Latino Alliance board member Jesús Del Toro (left) snaps Pablo Sáinz-Villegas with Juan Solana and wife Rosalind.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Newly initiated Latino Alliance members Emmanuel Almonte (far left), a health-care analyst at PNC, and Melynna Arreola-Quiroga (third from right), a student at DePaul University, pause for a photo opportunity.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Latino Alliance board members stand for a group photo at the Noche Alegre event in Grainger Ballroom.
Todd Rosenberg Photography