Composer Elbio Barilari Spotlights Latin American and Spanish Guitar Music

Fiesta host selects performances by Abel Carlevaro, Eduardo Fernández, and Julian Bream

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:00am

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Composer and musician Elbio Barilari, the host of the radio program Fiesta, has curated a special showcase of his favorite Latin American and Spanish guitar music. The program will feature performances by renowned guitarists Abel Carlevaro, Eduardo Fernández, and Julian Bream.

Why it matters

As a Uruguayan-born composer and professor who has been based in the U.S. since 1998, Barilari has deep expertise in Latin American and Spanish classical music. His Fiesta program aims to introduce listeners to lesser-known but highly acclaimed guitarists from these regions.

The details

Barilari, who is on the faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago, has selected a mix of contemporary and classical guitar pieces for the showcase. The featured artists, Abel Carlevaro, Eduardo Fernández, and Julian Bream, are all acclaimed for their interpretations of Latin American and Spanish guitar repertoire.

  • The special guitar music showcase will air on Fiesta on March 30, 2026.

The players

Elbio Barilari

A composer, musician, and professor born in Montevideo, Uruguay, who has been based in the U.S. since 1998 and currently teaches at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Abel Carlevaro

A renowned Uruguayan classical guitarist known for his interpretations of Latin American and Spanish guitar music.

Eduardo Fernández

A highly acclaimed Uruguayan classical guitarist who has performed extensively in Latin America and Europe.

Julian Bream

A celebrated English classical guitarist who is renowned for his mastery of the Spanish and Latin American guitar repertoire.

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What they’re saying

“As a composer and musician with deep roots in Latin America, I'm excited to share some of my favorite guitar works from the region with Fiesta listeners.”

— Elbio Barilari, Host, Fiesta

What’s next

Fiesta listeners can tune in to the special guitar music showcase on March 30, 2026.

The takeaway

This program highlights the rich and diverse classical guitar traditions of Latin America and Spain, showcasing the artistry of three renowned guitarists who have helped shape the repertoire.