Antonio López Plays the Guitar Music by Manuel Ponce

Classical guitar master Antonio López from Mexico will return to HKUST for a recital, following his well‑received performance on campus in 2023. In his upcoming 2026 concert, he will present a captivating program featuring works by Manuel M. Ponce, one of Mexico’s most esteemed composers. Ponce’s guitar music—celebrated for its lyrical beauty and expressive melodies—is cherished by guitarists around the world.

This concert promises a relaxing evening of beautiful music and an opportunity to experience the richness and depth of Mexican musical traditions.

Program

The guitar music of Manuel M. Ponce

 

1. Suite in A minor (in the baroque style)

(1929)

Prèlude

Allemande

Sarabande

Gavottes I & II

Gigue

20 minutes

 

2. Thème varié et Finale

(Paris, 1926)

10 minutes

 

3. Sonata romántica (Hommage à Schubert)

(1928)

Allegro non troppo, semplice

Andante

Moment musical (Vivo)

Allegro non troppo e serioso

24 minutes

 

4. Four pieces

(Paris, 1933)

Mazurka

Valse

Trópico

Rumba

10 minutes

 

ARTIST

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Antonio López Palacios, a native of México City has been playing concerts in three continents for over 50 years. His repertoire has included music from all styles, from the Renaissance to contemporary music. In the early 90's López Palacios was recognised by Mexico's highest Cultural Institution, The National Fund for Culture and Arts, by funding his project "THe complete works for guitar by Manuel M. Ponce" A project where Antonio pledged to prepare and perform in concert all of the music written for the guitar by México's beloved composer. The project was completed in 1993 and presented at the Carlos Chávez Auditorium in the prestigious UNAM, the principal and largest University in the country. This endeavour required 5 dates, for of them devoted to the works for solo guitar and the two works for harpsichord and guitar, and the fifth date to the performance of Concierto del Sur, for guitar and orchestra. This was a historic event that has not been done again by any other guitarist since. 

Antonio is also a founding member of the México City Guitar Trio that has been performing since 1987 through México and Europe.

He has participated in countless Guitar Festivals and concerts in México, the US, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Croatia, Hong Kong, Italy, France, Spain and Ecuador.

During the 50th anniversary of the renowned National Museum of History and Anthropology in México City, López Palacios, joined guitaris Jaime Márquez and cellists Carlos Prieto and Yo Yo Ma in the premiere of Samuel Zyman's Suite for two cellos and two guitars.

 

REMARKS

• Free admission.
• Online registration is required.
• Free-seating on first-come-first-served basis.
• Please arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the showtime.
• Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted.

 

ADMISSION RULES

• No food or drink is allowed.
• Unauthorized photo-taking, audio or video recording is strictly prohibited.
• Late-comers will be admitted only if there is a suitable break in the performance.
• The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the program, performers and seating arrangement. In case of dispute, the decision of the organizer shall be final.