While negative press about Mexico can be quite prevalent, it's always nice to find some good words about the country most of us call home - and especially San Miguel. The website, Endless Vacation, recently ran an article about the city, why not pop over and have a read?
Some of us are planning to set sail and benefit the SMA Chamber Music Festival at the same time. Two cruises are being planned for December on Crystal Cruises, voted the “#1 Ship in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel and Leisure’s “World’s Best Award Winner 2009.”
If you attended the 2009 Chamber Music Festival chances are you saw Tim Poly photographing the concerts and associated events. Tim has kindly shared those images with us and they can be viewed in a public gallery online. Why not see if you're on there!
The San Miguel Chamber Music Festival has a music school each year provided by in-residence professional musicians from the U.S. for over 30 years. This year we've made it even easier for students to apply for a place with our online application. If you know of anyone who may be interested then please let them know about our site.
Here's a short video on youtube featuring a slideshow of San Miguel de Allende, one of Central Mexico's most picturesque colonial and culturally rich cities. Images of 'El Jardin', 'La Parroquia' Church, Parque Juarez, Villa Santa Monica Hotel, Sierra Nevada Hotel, 'Los Lavaderos' Public Laundry weekend outdoor Artist Market, 'Casa de La Cultura' and 'Mirador'. Soundtrack 'La Frontera' by Lhasa de Sela from The Living Road '03
We hope to see you in 2010!
According to some of the finest music groups performing today, such as the Ying, the Miami and Turtle Island Quartets, this UNESCO World Heritage town is an ideal setting for students to stretch and perfect their musical capabilities - not to mention, have fun. Located in central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende looks and feels more like an ancient Spanish hill-town with its cobblestone streets, 18th century colonial architecture, lively town square, and beautiful churches and theaters all adding to the creative atmosphere for the student program. "I have taken many students to Europe to participate in music festivals there," said Vladimir Lande. "When I saw what San Miguel de Allende has to offer, I immediately realized it was a great opportunity for U.S. advanced music students to participate in an internationally respected music festival. From the wonderful learning environment to the appreciative audiences, it is an exceptional cultural center." The Board of the San Miguel Music Festival is pleased to appoint Mr. Lande as Director of the U.S. Advanced Student Music Program for 2010. He brings a wealth of experience in working with students and leading student musicians and graduate musicians in music festival programs in the U.S. and Europe,” said Camilla Sands, Director of the San Miguel Music Festival.
We'd certainly suggest spending slightly longer than a day and a half, but if that's all you've got then here's some nice suggestions for what to do with your time.
While our image gallery shows some of the spectacular views of San Miguel de Allende this video.
The Festival may not be timed to coincide with the festive season, but it's always nice to know that San Miguel is considered a wonderful place to visit no matter the time of year.
We've added a new series of images to our site Gallery. Hopefully these will bring back memories for past participants as well as our audience.
This article by Karen McCarthy is a nice introduction to San Miguel de Allende for those unfamiliar with the city.