Concert life returns to Chichén Itza, honoring Armando Manzanero
Mérida Yucatán — Alberto Manzanero remembers, as a 10-year-old boy, being taken by his huipil-clad grandmother to Chichén Itza.
Seventy-one years later, the Mérida native will be the first Mexican artist to be the center attraction at a concert at the archaeological site.
Manzanero will be honored for all those decades of success on Feb. 3, 2018.
The archaeological site has been a concert-free zone since 2010 when a stage mishap at an Elton John event had preservationists worried about the impact shows can have on the Modern World Wonder.
One of the most internationally recognized Spanish-American composers and singers, Manzanero sang at Chichén Itzá once before, at a Placido Domingo concert in 2008. But tonight he is the star attraction.
On stage will be Lilia Downs, Natalia Lafourcade, Alex Lora, Tania Libertad, Juan Pablo Manzanero and more artists who are yet to be announced, accompanied by the Ballet Clásico de Yucatán and the Orquesta Típica de Yucalpetén.
The tribute, called “Celebrating Armando Manzanero Live from Chichen Itza,” aims to highlight the life and trajectory of the maestro, as well as the beauty of Mexican and Mayan culture.
Of his more than 400 compositions, Manzanero’s most famous works include “Voy a Apagar la Luz” (“I’m Going to Turn Off the Lights”), “Contigo Aprendí” (“With You I Learned…”) and “Adoro” (“I Adore”). Many songs have made their way into the repertoire of the likes of Elvis Presley, Andrea Bocelli, Tony Bennett, Perry Como and Luis Miguel.
Part of the box office will be donated to organizations responsible for promoting environmental care, promoting rural entrepreneurs in southeast Mexico and supporting people with hearing impairments.
Tickets will be on pre-sale Oct. 17 and for sale to the general public starting Oct. 27.
Previously: Delayed Manzanero concert comes to Plaza Grande
Lee Steele is the founding director of Roof Cat Media and has published Yucatán Magazine and other titles since 2012.