Voices of Connection: 05/05 Around the World Wednesdays: Mexico

Ailyn Perez “Estrellita” - M. Ponce (from Lyric Opera of Chicago)

Today we're doing something a little different in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, a day which commemorates the Mexican Army's victory at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862.

Although Manuel Ponce wrote several works in traditional classical forms—including concertos for violin, piano and guitar—his work was focused primarily on songs, many based on the folk music of his native Mexico. "Estrellita" is Ponce’s most famous composition, a song for which he also wrote the text. The singer is telling the estrellita (little star) above that she’ll die without the love of her beloved, so the star must come down and tell her if he loves her just a little.

Here soprano Ailyn Perez sings "Estrellita" as part of Lyric Opera of Chicago's For the Love of Lyric recital with Music Director Doug Peck at the piano.

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