From Spain to Mexico — and beyond: A look back at Nuestras Noches 25/26

Can you believe it? Thirteen seasons of the CSO Latino Alliance’s Nuestras Noches series have been completed, and I still find myself amazed at what it has become. What began as a vision to connect Chicago’s Latino community with one of the world’s great orchestras has grown into something much richer — a vibrant gathering place where music, culture, friendship and community come together under the roof of Symphony Center.

More than concerts, Nuestras Noches is about experiencing world-class music through a multicultural lens — discovering stories, celebrating heritage and sharing moments that remind us why the arts matter. The 2025/26 season alone took the Latino Alliance from Spain to Mexico, from tango halls to holiday traditions, and from contemporary poetry to the power of mariachi — an unforgettable journey of sound and connection.

The season began with Spanish passion

The season opened in November in spectacular fashion with guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas performing Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Riccardo Muti. As the music unfolded, I found myself transported to my grandparents’ patio on a sunny afternoon, dreaming of Spain. The joyful first movement sparkled through Orchestra Hall, the famous Adagio spoke straight to the heart, and the finale burst with the playful spirit of Spanish folk traditions.

The magic didn’t stop there. At our post-concert Noche de Guitarra, members gathered with Pablo over Rioja, conversation and laughter — and at one point, even salsa dancing broke out with Pablo and his wife. It was a perfect reminder of what makes Nuestras Noches so special: world-class artistry paired with moments of genuine human connection.

Music, poetry and shared humanity

In December, we joined forces with the African American Network for one of the most thought-provoking evenings of the season: Verses & Voices. The night centered on the world premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s song cycle inspired by the poetry of Chilean writer Raúl Zurita and brought vividly to life by the extraordinary Julia Bullock. Through music and poetry, the audience journeyed through memory, resilience, identity, and hope in a way that felt both intimate and profound.

The post-concert gathering extended the experience into a vibrant space of reflection and dialogue. A heartfelt message from Zurita himself was shared with attendees, while poets, musicians and guests engaged in conversations about art’s power to illuminate difficult histories and affirm our shared humanity. Some concerts entertain — but others stay with you long after the final applause. This was unmistakably one of those evenings.

The crown jewel of the holidays

For 13 years, Noche Navideña and Merry, Merry Chicago! have marked the joyful start of the holiday season for my son and me. This year was different — illness kept me home for the first time — but thanks to a steady stream of messages, photos, videos and phone calls, I still experienced every moment from afar.

I heard about the packed hall, the festive music, children dressed in their holiday best, and families reconnecting as friends embraced after months apart. My phone never stopped buzzing with updates, asking “Where are you?” — a reminder of just how alive the matinee was.

In that moment, it became clear that Noche Navideña is far more than a concert. It has become a cherished tradition and a true family reunion for our community. And even from my bed, I felt completely present — wrapped in the warmth, music and spirit of the night.

Mexico takes center stage

In January, while football fans filled Soldier Field for a playoff game, Symphony Center was buzzing with its own kind of excitement as Mexico’s Sinfónica de Minería made a sold-out Chicago debut under the dynamic leadership of Carlos Miguel Prieto.

The evening was an electrifying journey — from the raw energy of Silvestre Revueltas to the elegance of Haydn, from the brilliance of trumpeter Pacho Flores to the unforgettable sweep of Night of the Mayas. Ancient Mayan instruments turned Orchestra Hall into something almost ceremonial, drawing spontaneous applause, surprise improvisations and wave after wave of standing ovations.

The celebration continued at Noche de Bellas Artes, where members gathered with Maestro Prieto and guest artists in Grainger Ballroom. A powerful reminder that music is more than performance — it’s a bridge to history, identity and one another that lingers long after the final note.

Tango After Dark

While it was cold outside, this is Chicago, after all, one of the season’s most electrifying evenings was Tango After Dark, where the magic began long before the curtain rose. In Grainger Ballroom, guests were transported from Chicago to Buenos Aires as they learned the art of tango from Jorge Niedas and Liz Sungen, co-founders of Tango 21 Dance Theater, alongside members of the dance ensemble. Laughter, music and a few tentative tango steps quickly gave way to confidence, creating an atmosphere buzzing with passion and anticipation.

Then came the main event. Direct from Argentina, Tango After Dark set the stage ablaze with the breathtaking artistry of tango at its finest. Led by World Tango Champion Germán Cornejo, an extraordinary cast of dancers, singers and musicians brought the music of Astor Piazzolla to life with stunning precision, sensuality and flair. The dancers seemed to glide, spin and defy gravity, while the music pulsed with romance, drama and intensity. It was elegant, exhilarating and impossible to look away from — a spectacular celebration of Argentine culture that left the audience cheering, inspired and perhaps just a little tempted to sign up for tango lessons the next day.

Poetry in song

Spring brought another unforgettable highlight with the magnificent Joyce DiDonato, the CSOA’s Artist-in-Residence this season, performing Peter Lieberson’s Neruda Songs. Set to the poetry of Pablo Neruda, the work unfolded a deeply human journey of love, longing, vulnerability and connection, with DiDonato bringing extraordinary emotional depth and nuance to every phrase.

The evening felt even more meaningful with the community gathered in the hall, including special guests from Chicago’s Feria del Libro and Poesía de Abril — two celebrations that bring together Spanish-speaking readers, writers and poets around literature and verse. It was a perfect pairing, as Neruda’s poetry and DiDonato’s interpretation bridged music and the literary world beautifully.

The night continued in true Nuestras Noches style with a lively reception — wine, fresh conchas by Chef Carlos López Muñoz of Istmo and dancing led by DJ Pedro. A joyful blend of art, poetry and community, all in one unforgettable evening.

The voice of Mexico

The season concluded on a high note with the incomparable Aida Cuevas, a true cultural icon and the legendary “La Voz de México.” Celebrating 50 years as an ambassador of Mexican and Latin-American music, Cuevas captivated Symphony Center with her powerful voice, timeless elegance and heartfelt authenticity. From the first note to the final standing ovation, she brought beloved ranchera classics to life with the passion and artistry that have made her a treasured figure across generations. For many in the audience, it was far more than a concert — it was a journey back to family gatherings, cherished traditions and the sounds of home, filled with nostalgia, pride and a deep connection to culture.

Finding ourselves in the music

As I look back on this remarkable season, what stands out most is not only the extraordinary performances, but also the people — the friendships formed at receptions, the strangers who quickly become friends, the children at their first symphony concert, and the families who return year after year. The music is unforgettable, but it is the sense of community that truly defines Nuestras Noches. This season, that community continued to grow, with consuls from several countries joining us and helping deepen our connections across Latin-American communities. We also continued meaningful collaborations, including with Instituto Cervantes, strengthening the cultural bridges at the heart of our mission.

Over the years, we’ve seen how powerfully music brings people together — through tango, poetry, symphonic masterworks and mariachi — creating space to celebrate culture, discover new perspectives and connect across generations.

As a founding co-chair, I am deeply proud of what the CSO Latino Alliance has become: a vibrant, welcoming community united by culture, friendship and a shared love of music.

If you haven’t joined us yet, I warmly invite you to experience a Nuestras Noches event. Come for the music. Stay for the community. Leave with memories that last a lifetime — because the best concerts are the ones we experience together.

¡Nos vemos en la próxima temporada!