Music of the Hispanic World

An Audio Journey Through the Origins, Influences & Evolution of Latin American Music Join us for a lively audio presentation exploring the extraordinary diversity of music throughout the Hispanic world. Through recordings, historical context, and discussion, we will examine the origins, influences, cultural impact, and continuing evolution of the musical traditions that define Latin America. Following the complex historical journey of the region, we will explore how Iberian, Indigenous, and African musical traditions came together—sometimes through cultural exchange, sometimes through conflict and coercion—to create an extraordinary range of musical forms and genres. From traditional folk music and religious traditions to contemporary popular music, we will examine how these influences have evolved, merged, and been reinvented over generations. The presentation will explore: • Iberian Influences – Spanish and Portuguese musical traditions brought to the Americas. • Indigenous Traditions – Pre-Columbian instruments, rhythms, melodies, and musical practices. • African Contributions – The profound influence of African rhythms, instruments, traditions, and cultural expression. • Cultural Fusion – The blending of European, Indigenous, and African traditions that gave rise to new musical forms. • Music & Identity – The role of music in expressing cultural, national, racial, and social identity. • Music as Resistance & Expression – How musicians have used their art to address politics, injustice, migration, and social change. • The Future of Latin American Music – The continuing evolution of these traditions through globalization, technology, and contemporary musical fusion. This event is free for everyone. Westbury Arts programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature.