Divine combo; Symphony and mariachi

Dear editor, I had the fortune of attending one of the most amazing concerts I have been to in a while at the Yountville Lincoln Theater on Sept. 13. The Napa Valley Symphony hosted Mariachi Cobre and the combination was amazing!

Renditions of “Besame Mucho,” “Las Golondrinas,” “Tequila,” a Tijuana Brass medley, “No Puede Ser” and “Espana Cani” by the symphony with their special arrangements on the first part of the program were breathtaking. “Las Golondrinas” has always had a very special meaning in our culture because it speaks of farewells, of perpetual good-byes. But the special arrangements by Carmen Dragon gave it a whole new meaning. I saw a tear or two shed in the audience.

The infusion of music of the symphony and the mariachi after intermission with songs like “La Bikina,” “Granada,” “La Negra,” “Somos Novios,” “Atras del Sol” and other popular Mexican songs left many of us wanting more and more.

I just know that word of mouth will travel and next year’s concert will be of greater success. Symphony conductor Asher Raboy should feel extremely good about both performances and the Napa Valley Symphony board should be proud to be at the forefront of joining these two wonderful musical venues and getting an exquisite result. It’s like having the best tequila and the best cabernet in one night! Even my children, 16, 11 and 1, enjoyed the music. Congratulations Napa Valley Symphony!

Rosa Segura / St. Helena

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