Exciting news: a new Guatemalan clarinet work will premiere in just two weeks! This work titled Resiliencia de los Pueblos Indígenas de Guatemala (Resilience of the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala) was composed by Guatemalan composer Sergio R. Reyes Mendoza.

Date: Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Time: 7pm

Tickets: eventbrite.com

Written for solo clarinet and marimba, accompanied with strings, this work will feature Marie Gallardo, a Kansas City-based clarinetist who champions repertoire by Latin American composers.

The following information is written by Sergio R. Reyes Mendoza about his new work:

Resilience of the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala

The chamber suite is an homage to the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala who led protests that lasted 106 days in October, 2023. They defended the democratic vote against the attempts by the so-called ‘Pact of the Corrupt’ to declare electoral fraud. The music is also inspired by two archaeological pieces from the PreClassic and Classic Maya periods which illustrate and evoke the importance of consensus and well being.

I. Origin

A square-shaped vessel from the Maya Classic period —found in El Naranjo and signed by artist Lo’ Took’ Akan in the 8th Century, C. E.— depicts the gathering of deities of Creation on August 11th, 3114 B.C, considered to be the beginning of the Mayan calendar. The coincidence of these characters marks the conditions for the advent of the earth and of human beings.

II. Xibalbá/Mayan Underworld

Stele 25 in Izapa, México from the PreClassic period depicts a scene in the Popol Wuj, the sacred book of the Maya K’ich’e. The heroic twin brothers Junajpú and Xbalanké, fight against Wuqub Kak’ix, an ostentatious Macaw who pretends to be the sun but sheds only a dim light. The monstrous avian being is defeated through tricks and humor. The twin heroes substitute his golden teeth with maize grains.

III. Resistance and Hope

The Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala continue to practice their ancestral traditions and ancient Mayan cosmogony. By preserving their languages, textiles, sustainable agriculture, and bond with the natural world, the Indigenous Peoples resist oppression and defend life, dignity, and their right to be heard.

This piece, commissioned by The Harlem Chamber Players with the support of NYSCA, is a work in collaboration by Sergio R. Reyes, composer, and Javier Dzul, choreographer and artistic director of Dzul Dance.

Sergio R. Reyes/Bio

Passionate about the arts, literature, and Guatemalan history, Sergio R. Reyes M. addresses Guatemalan and Latin American current issues and societal challenges as the core inspiration for his original orchestra, chamber music, and choral compositions. Classically trained, he is a versatile performer who values musical traditions of the American continent, considering them a key factor for the building of culture, education, and identity of the new generations.

Much gratitude to The Harlem Chamber Players, Javier Dzul, Leonor Hurtado, Ned Massey, Massa Viana Law, my family, and friends. 

Javier Dzul/Bio

Artistic Director Javier Dzul grew up in the jungles of southern Mexico performing Mayan ritual dance until the age of 16. After performing in New York City with several important companies, he and Robin Taylor founded Dzul Dance , a company that fuses ballet, modern dance, contortion, and aerial arts to present Mayan culture as living and universal heritage.

Javier Dzul would like to thank Sergio R. Reyes for many years of friendship and collaborations, The Harlem Chamber Players for their trust and support, and to my company dancers for giving me their abilities to create.

Dzul Dance/dancers

Javier Dzul, Ricardo G. Barret, Andrea Dusel, Federico García, Kenzie Ginter, Ayana Momoki, José Rojas & Isabella Vergara.

Looking forward to see you all there!