Discover | Alejandro Brittes
Stanford Live is excited to present the new Discover series, spotlighting global artists bringing rarely-heard musical traditions to our stage for the first time. This series brings fresh musical talent to our stages, offering a unique opportunity to experience diverse genres, deepen your understanding of global musical traditions, and perhaps find your next favorite artist.
Meet our October Discover series featured accordionist: Alejandro Brittes.
Alejandro Brittes is a virtuoso accordionist celebrated internationally for his deep passion for Chamamé, a genre rooted in the cultural traditions of northeastern Argentina and recognized as part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. The 400-year-old musical genre was born out of the encounter between native Guaraní cultures and the Baroque musical influences brought by Jesuits during the colonial period.
The first time I listened to Alejandro’s chamamé Mi Cielo (My Sky), I was instantly transported to the Southern Cone of South America—a region steeped in nostalgia and melodies reminiscent of Piazzolla, Ginastera, and Gardel. It’s music that tells the story of a rich cultural blend, where Indigenous traditions, European influences, and baroque nuances come together in harmony.
An ambassador of Latin American cultural diversity, Britte’s 30-year career is marked by his deep mastery of Chamamé. His music blends traditional melodies with contemporary influences, inviting audiences into a musical experience that transcends borders and speaks to the soul. In 2023, Brittes made history as the first Chamamé accordionist to perform at the Library of Congress in the United States.
Alejandro Brittes’ October 4 Stanford Live debut is part of a U.S. tour promoting his latest album, (L)ESTE available on Spotify.
“The project is a journey to the past and the future, a crossover between Chamamé in all its metaphysical essence with ancient baroque music, through the arrangements of the great maestro Fernando Cordella, one of the main harpsichordists and baroque conductors of today, and the chamamés composed by me .”
Patrons that purchase two or more tickets to the featured artist’s Stanford Live performance will be entered in a raffle to win an autographed copy of the artist's latest album. Raffle winners will be announced at the performance.