The University of Arizona Symphonic Choir will perform a concert at the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson on Friday, Nov. 1, as part of Tucson’s Dia de Muertos celebrations. 

The special concert, marking the first-ever performance at the consulate in the choir’s 74-year history, will feature Indigenous, Arabic and classical pieces.

Elizabeth Schauer, who has conducted the Symphonic Choir for 21 years, said the group began learning this music at the beginning of the fall semester and has worked on it for about nine weeks.

The program’s centerpiece is a tribute to Indigenous music, an element Schauer has long wanted to explore.

“I have wanted to program music from Indigenous populations in this area for a long time, but it is challenging to figure out what is appropriate for performance since the music has a very specific cultural function and purpose, and was not created for concert performance,” Schauer said. 

Carlos Garcia Ramirez, a graduate of the School of Music and a member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, made it possible for the choir to perform a Yaqui piece. A piece by a Mayan composer will accompany it, honoring two Indigenous cultures closely associated with Mexico.

“Seeing the choir performing the ‘Juramento Yaqui’ is a powerful testimony about how music is a universal language with the power to unite cultures and help people better understand the diversity that is around us,” Ramirez said.

Schauer said that Ramirez was instrumental in arranging this event and connecting the choir with the consulate. 

“As a Mexican Yaqui, this performance is very significant because the Mexican Consulate is an extension of our country in Tucson,” Ramirez said.

Beyond Indigenous music, the program explores a range of styles including Arabic music, which Schauer says was new to her until graduate student Dane Carten introduced her to the work of composer Shireen Abu-Khader. 

The evening also will feature classical works and popular pieces.

“I always hope our programs bring something familiar to audiences, but also introduce them to new and wonderful music,” said Schauer.

The concert, part of local Dia de Muertos events, symbolizes a powerful community connection. 

“Dia de Muertos in Tucson is such an incredibly special and powerful tradition, and one that truly bridges people and communities,” Schauer said. “We are very grateful for the opportunity to offer our part.”

Admission to Friday’s family-friendly concert at the Consulate of Mexico, 3915 E. Broadway Blvd., is free and the concert begins at 2 p.m.

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.