Photos Courtesy Tempus Quartet Instagram
Paulina Longoria | THE RIDER
UTRGV International Admissions and Student Services (IASS) and Festival Internacional de Otoño will host a presentation and virtual concert by Tempus Quartet to celebrate Mexican Independence Day at 6 p.m. Wednesday via Zoom.
Tempus Quartet is a Mexican group formed more than 15 years ago by Tamaulipas musicians. They perform pop, rock and Mexican music with a modern style using string instruments.
Festival Internacional de Otoño started in 1993 in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to promote art and culture. The festival has expanded to include events throughout the state.
The event will kick off with “The Influence of the Mexican Music in the World” lecture in Spanish led by Jupiter Bautista, a Tempus Quartet cellist.
“We will open the program talking a little bit about Mexican music,” Bautista said. “We will talk about Mexican traditions, the different music styles … not all of them, but the most important.”
He said after the presentation, they will perform Mexican traditional music and add a modern style to the songs toward the end of the concert.
IASS is collaborating with the Campus Activities Board to raffle a JBL speaker at the end of the event.
International Admissions Director Samantha Lopez said everyone who registers for the event will be entered into the raffle.
Asked how the event came about, Lopez replied, “We’re brainstorming with ideas of what we can offer to the students that is different … so we can get them engaged and it can be also fun.”
She also said IASS is actively searching for creative ways to keep the students engaged, educated and aware of other cultures.
Francisco Lopez, a mechanical engineering senior and Mexican student, believes this celebration is great because the Rio Grande Valley is almost like an extended part of Mexico since many Mexicans reside in it.
“It’s important to be recognized and for people to keep commemorating their roots,” Francisco Lopez said.
He told The Rider his favorite part of celebrating Mexican Independence is going to El Grito celebration in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
“Something that I’ve always liked was to go for a ride downtown, to the plaza and see how people got together … pass by on the car and listen to El Grito,” Francisco Lopez said.
El Grito (Cry of Dolores) was a call to action to Mexican Independence early in the morning of Sept. 16, 1810.
Asked what students can expect at the event, Bautista replied, “It’s always good to be open to all types of shows, of music, new experiences. I think it enriches us as people, human beings, and this concert won’t be the exception. [They can expect] to know a little bit more of Mexican culture … music origins and have a pleasant evening.”
To register for the event, click here. A Zoom link will be provided after registration.
Photos Courtesy Tempus Quartet Instagram
