Misa Azteca is a staged, concert piece for orchestra, choir, soloists, and pre-Columbian percussion ensemble. It is based on the “ordinary” and “proper” of the Roman Catholic High Mass and verses from the Cantares Mexicanos, a collection of pre- and post-conquest verse of the Mexica (the Aztecs). Misa Azteca is sung in Latin, Spanish, and Nahuatl. Misa Azteca hybridizes two cultures and religions into an eight-movement, oratorio-style, musical celebration for orchestra, choir, and soloists.

Mexican-American dancers from Ballet Folklorico of the Ollin Yoliztli Dance Academy in Phoenix will give beautiful, energetic dance performances 45 minutes before the Misa Azteca concerts on April 2 and April 3. These locally-acclaimed dancers have received rave reviews. Also, visual artists from the Arizona Latino Arts & Culture Center will be displaying their artworks at the venues, and some items will be available for purchase. You’ll want to arrive at least 45 minutes early to see the artworks and watch the dancers as they put you in the mood to enjoy Misa Azteca’s vibrant rhythms and Mariachi-style harmonies.

April 2, 7:00 pm
Barry Goldwater High School Performing Arts Center
2820 W Rose Garden Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85027

April 3, 3:30 pm
American Lutheran Church
17200 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85373