Country

:

Mexico

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Cuarteto Latinoamericano is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Latin American music. The group was founded in 1982 by the brothers Saul, Aron, and Alvaro Bitrán, along with their friend Javier Montiel. The quartet has since become one of the most renowned ensembles in the world, known for their virtuosic performances and dedication to promoting Latin American music. The Bitrán brothers were born in Mexico City to a family of musicians. Their father, Jacobo Bitrán, was a violinist and conductor who founded the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico. The brothers grew up surrounded by music and began playing instruments at a young age. Saul and Aron both studied violin at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, while Alvaro studied cello at the same institution. Javier Montiel, the quartet's fourth member, is a violist who studied at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The quartet's founding was inspired by a desire to showcase the rich musical traditions of Latin America. The group's repertoire includes works by composers from Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, and other countries in the region. The quartet's members have also commissioned new works from contemporary Latin American composers, helping to expand the repertoire for string quartet. Cuarteto Latinoamericano has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Sydney Opera House. The quartet has also collaborated with many renowned musicians, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Gabriela Montero. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their 1997 concert at the Vatican, where they performed for Pope John Paul II. The quartet played a program of Latin American music, including works by Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas and Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera. The performance was well-received by the Pope, who praised the quartet's dedication to promoting Latin American culture. Cuarteto Latinoamericano has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2012, the quartet received the Latin Grammy Award for Best Classical Album for their recording of the complete string quartets of Mexican composer Mario Lavista. The quartet has also been awarded the Mexican National Arts and Sciences Prize, the Latin American Music Award, and the Diapason d'Or. In addition to their performances and recordings, Cuarteto Latinoamericano is also dedicated to music education. The quartet has conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians in Mexico and around the world. The quartet's members have also served as faculty members at institutions such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Texas at Austin. Cuarteto Latinoamericano's dedication to promoting Latin American music has helped to raise awareness of the rich musical traditions of the region. The quartet's virtuosic performances and commitment to commissioning new works have helped to expand the repertoire for string quartet and inspire a new generation of musicians.

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