Music of the Americas: Closing 2025 with Trios

Wednesday, December 17, 10 am

Young Caucana musicians María Ciro and Gaby Gallego are the members of Dueto Flor de Mayo, which is guided by guitarist (and María's father) Juan Camilo Ciro. The project stems from a desire to explore the country's musical roots and to create a sensitive, authentic, and deeply expressive style. The duo is named after the cattleya trianae, Colombia's national flower. Their sound is characterized by the interplay between the singing voices over the rich sounds of the tiple and the guitar, creating a musical tapestry that honors the past while projecting a youthful and renewed perspective on Andean music. 

Throughout their journey, Flor de Mayo has won first place in competitions such as Juglares del Macizo, Ocobo de Oro, and Festinavidad, in addition to standing out at festivals like Colombia Canta y Encanta, Ciudad de Cajicá, and Cuyabrito de Oro. Their original composition, “Cañita Hermosa,” received an award at the Turpial Cafetero. The duo has been a special guest at concerts and festivals and has three singles available on digital platforms: “Ya Llega,” “Navidad con mi Abuelo,” and “Cañita Hermosa,” pieces that reflect their artistic sensibility and commitment to Colombian musical traditions.

From Popayán, they sent us this version of Carolina Ramos' "Es un caso," a fresh and heartfelt rumba criolla. The song celebrates those friends who always arrive with a new story, witty remarks that make us laugh, and that spark that brightens any gathering. With a festive spirit and a rhythm that invites you to move, the song pays tribute to those who, with their unique way of being, remind us that life is best enjoyed when shared. 

Thursday, December 18, 10 am

Marcelo Taynara is back with "Batuqueiro," recorded with Kátya Teixeira and João Arruda. 

Friday, December 19, 10 am

Luís Perequê is a singer and songwriter with over 30 years of experience and a strong cultural presence in Paraty, a colonial-era beach town about 160 miles north of Rio de Janeiro. His work addresses cultural and socio-environmental themes of the Costa Verde region, defending the traditional, local caiçara culture. He was the musical director and producer of CDs for traditional music groups from the coastal municipalities of Paraty in Rio de Janeiro state and Ubatuba in São Paulo state. He is also the creator of the Rede Caiçara de Cultura.

From Paraty, and with guitarist Miguel Mota and cellist Rafael Gandolfo, he sent us this video of "Cantilena," a song that evokes the life of the local fishermen. 

The MetLife Foundation Music of the Americas concert series is made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsor MetLife Foundation.

The 2025–2026 series is also supported, in part, by the Howard Gilman Foundation, Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University.