Festival PAAX GNP: Alondra de la Parra's Symphony of Sounds

The World's Most Acclaimed orchestra conductor

This summer, the finest symphonic music will resound in a spectacular event at Hotel Xcaret Arte, featuring dance and top artists worldwide. 

This awaits us at Festival PAAX GNP, led by the talented Artistic Director Alondra de la Parra. This event celebrates rich culture and creativity in its various expressions, set in a paradisiacal environment that combines the best of a luxury hotel with an unparalleled series of concerts. 

Alondra de la Parra has graced the most prestigious stages internationally, and now she brings her passion and talent to Hotel Xcaret Arte. 

Keep reading below to learn more about her music and this significant festival.

Who is Alondra de la Parra? 

Alondra de la Parra was born in New York but grew up in Mexico City. From a very young age, she showed exceptional musical talent, learning to play the piano and cello before deciding that her true love was conducting. 

Her time at the esteemed Manhattan School of Music was a stepping stone to her future as a musical pioneer. During her studies, she founded the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas in 2004, a testament to her vision and leadership at the age of 23. The orchestra served as a platform to spotlight the talents of young performers and composers from the continent, a role she fulfilled until 2011. 

During this time, Alondra honed her skills and prepared for a career that would lead to work with some of the world's most important orchestras. She has conducted over 100 orchestras in 22 countries, including prestigious engagements with the Orchestre de Paris, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the National Academy of Santa Cecilia. 

She has been a pioneer throughout her career, breaking barriers as the first Mexican woman to conduct many of these orchestras. 

With six albums to her name, Alondra has recorded a vast symphonic repertoire with talented orchestras, earning two platinum records for her albums "Travieso carmesí" and "Mi alma mexicana," the latter featuring her most notable piece, "Huapango." She is also the creator and host of the series “Música Maestra,” broadcast on the German platform Deutsche Welle, where she interviews musicians and showcases life behind symphony orchestras. 

Alondra de la Parra's influence extends far beyond the stage. She is a proud cultural ambassador for Mexico and a beacon of Latin American classical music on the global stage, a testament to her international success and the impact of her work. 

She has earned her place in the scene due to the energy in her performances, her charisma, and her dedication.

Her Style and Repertoire 

Alondra de la Parra's style is as vibrant and passionate as she is. Known for her energy on the podium and her ability to deeply connect with the musicians and the audience, she brings a unique freshness to every performance. 

Her approach focuses on highlighting the emotion and character of each piece, making the music come alive in a way that leaves a lasting impression. 

Her repertoire is a testament to her unwavering commitment to diversity. From the cherished classics of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to the cutting-edge works of contemporary composers, she navigates a musical landscape that is as vast as it is inspiring. A pinnacle of her career is her advocacy for Latin American music, a cause she champions with unyielding passion, bringing these composers to the global stage and illuminating the richness and diversity of this music. 

Festival PAAX GNP 

What Does PAAX Mean? 

PAAX means music in Mayan, but it also translates to peace in Latin. The festival embodies music and movement, but it also represents the idea of music as the peace of humans with the world, society, and themselves.

Origins of the Festival 

Festival PAAX GNP was born from Alondra de la Parra's passionate vision to create a space where classical music could flourish in a dreamlike setting, surrounded by Mexico's vibrant nature and culture. 

The idea came from her desire to bring music to new audiences and offer a platform where musicians worldwide could collaborate and create magic together. She wanted it to be more than just a musical event; she envisioned an experience celebrating music, art, culture, and community. 

Since its first edition in 2022, the festival has grown and evolved, attracting musicians and audiences from around the world. Each year, the Festival not only brings exceptional performances but also offers a series of cultural activities that invite attendees to immerse themselves in the richness of the local culture, showing the potential for even more growth and evolution in the future.   

Festival Venue 

Hotel Xcaret Arte remains the venue for this third edition of the Festival PAAX GNP.  With an impressive location in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Hotel Xcaret Arte is designed to inspire and celebrate creativity and art in all forms, combining eco-integrative architecture and showcasing the best Mexican art.  

The concerts for this edition will take place in two locations within the hotel. One will be outdoors (Foro de la Música) and the other indoors (Salón Diego), depending on the needs of each program. 

Festival Program 

The PAAX Festival GNP will occur from June 26 to July 7, 2024. Over 12 days, attendees will witness 5 symphonic concerts, 2 ballet galas, 2 chamber music recitals, and a series of concerts, including Darkside, CandlePaax, and the Children's Social Harmony Concert.  

For the full schedule, visit the official website.

Highlighted Concerts 

Among the standout concerts of the festival are performances by the Impossible Orchestra, an ensemble composed of some of the world's most talented musicians under the incomparable direction of Alondra de la Parra. This year's lineup includes an exciting selection of classical and contemporary works, from Beethoven symphonies to pieces by Antonio Vivaldi. 

A concert not to be missed is "The Musical World of Lafourcade," featuring Natalia Lafourcade in collaboration with Alondra de la Parra, and the piano recital "Candle Paax" by Thomas Enhco in tribute to Astor Piazzolla.

Social and Cultural Impact 

Alondra de la Parra has always been passionate about bringing classical music to children and youth. As part of Festival PAAX GNP, Alondra has launched a social project called "Social Harmony," a program of instruction and collective practice of orchestral music for girls, boys, and young people from the Yucatán Peninsula. 

This program aims to open the doors to music through youth orchestras, working with them throughout the year to involve children and young people with limited opportunities. 

In its first edition in 2022, 12 participants successfully performed at the festival. This year, over 63 children and young people will perform in the Social Harmony concert alongside international musicians featured at the festival. 

Official Sponsor: GNP Seguros 

Festival PAAX GNP is proudly sponsored by GNP Seguros, a Mexican multi-line insurance company with 120 years of experience in the insurance sector. GNP Seguros is part of GRUPO BAL, one of Mexico's most important business conglomerates, encompassing prestigious institutions across sectors such as insurance, pensions, finance, commerce, industry, and education. Thanks to their support, the festival can continue to grow and offer world-class cultural experiences, benefiting the community and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of this unique musical experience. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast, an admirer of Alondra de la Parra, or someone looking to create unforgettable memories in a paradisiacal setting, the Festival PAAX GNP at Hotel Xcaret Arte is the perfect event. 

Visit the official website for more information on the schedule, guest artists, and how to purchase tickets if you are not staying at the hotel.