Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz significance to different communities has varied greatly across time, having been presented as a candidate for Catholic sainthood; a symbol of Mexican Nationalism; and a paragon of freedom of speech, women’s rights, and sexual diversity making her a figure of great controversy and debate to this day. Her life story was made into a telenovela in 1962 and a movie version is currently available on Netflix.
The Voice of Juana Inés concert amplifies the words and music of this visionary, whose words were banned in her own time. Themes from her life and writings, such as gender equality, access to education, and colonialism, connect powerfully with us today.
Now comes your opportunity for two days only, January 18 & 19, 2025 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2201 Dexter St., in Denver to discover the joyful rhythms of Mexican baroque music! The sacred and secular are intertwined in pastorals, love songs, and lively instrumental dances.
Captivating music from 17th-century Mexico, with rich sounds of viols, voices, guitars and percussion. Sacred and secular songs, interwoven with stories and art images from her time, elevate the inspiring words of poet/composer Juana Inés de la Cruz. Guest Leader: Zoe Weiss, viola da gamba. Featuring multiple Grammy winner Estelí Gomez, mezzo soprano; Gabriella Cavallero, storyteller.
Songs will be sung in the original Spanish, Latin and indigenous languages, featuring Estelí Gomez, soprano. Local Actress/Storyteller Gabriella Cavallero will bring to life the moving tale. Our ensemble includes seven instrumentalists, five singers and a storyteller.
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648-95) was a Mexican poet, philosopher, and composer whose life
story and influential works inspired many. Born Inés de Asbaje y Ramírez de Santillana, she
became known as Sor Juana after she joined a convent. Convents were not only spiritual hubs,
but also refuges for women who chose not to marry or who wanted access to libraries. We will
feature musical settings of her poetry and a variety of vocal and instrumental pieces from her
time. Compositions specifically for Mexican convents invite us to experience the divine through
music.
Professor James Córdova will present a free webinar, displaying rich visual art from
convents of Juana’s time and place, live on Jan. 16 at 6pm.
contemporary arrangements and cross-genre collaborations with today’s diverse artists.
The Voice of Juana Inés
Standard Adult $40
Student (under 18 years) $12
Community Access $15 available for anyone for whom the full price would be a barrier.
Saturday, January 18 at 7:30pm. VENUE CHANGE, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2201 Dexter St., Denver
Sunday, January 19 at 3pm. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2201 Dexter St., Denver
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