Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
At a local museum in McAllen, Texas, an extraordinary celebration took place on July 22nd: the Ensemble MaLaCLase Music for two harpsichords. Headlined by Santiago Álvarez and Miguel Cicero, this musical and cultural event commemorated the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States.
In the commemoration of the bicentenary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States of America, the resonant notes of a historic classical score vibrated in the air, uniting two nations through the beauty of musical art. Music, which knows no borders, reminds us that despite our differences, there is a shared humanity that unites us.
The event was held at the prestigious International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), where the delicate chords and exquisite harmonies of classical music combined with the celebratory atmosphere. The chords of works by Bach and Vivaldi, two masters whose legacy transcends centuries and cultures, echoed off the IMAS museum walls, creating a melodious backdrop for the celebration.
The program for the evening was baptized as “The Bachs,” a tribute to the iconic family of composers who have left an indelible mark on classical music. The audience was captivated by the flawless and passionate interpretations of the following pieces:
Goldberg Canons BWV 1087 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): The complexity of this piece unfolded in layers of rich harmony, arousing admiration in the audience.
Concerto BWV 595, Largo & Allegro – Johann Sebastian / Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: A duet between father and son, this concerto took us on an emotional journey filled with contrasts.
4 Duets for Harpsichords – Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788): The performers’ hands flew over the harpsichord keys, drawing melodies that interlaced and separated, creating a musical dialogue.
Sonata in A Major for 4 Hands – Johann Christian Bach (1732-1795): This piece highlighted cooperation and harmony, reflecting the celebration of diplomatic relations.
Concerto in A Minor – Johann Sebastian Bach / Antonio Vivaldi: The Allegro, Adagio & Allegro movements of this piece combined Bach’s intensity with Vivaldi’s lyricism, closing the night with a masterful harpsichord show.
This night of celebration reminded us that, though separated by borders and seas, music unites us in a global symphony of fraternity and mutual understanding. Thus, to the sound of Bach and Vivaldi, Mexico and the United States of America celebrated two centuries of diplomatic relations, marking a milestone in their shared history.
This celebration, cosponsored by the city of McAllen, the Mexican Consulate in McAllen, International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), and the Anzalduas International Bridges. Juan Olaguibel, Superintendent of International Bridges said, “This emblematic event highlighted the importance of the bicentennial and also demonstrated the rich history and deep bond that unites both countries.”
The musical journey through the harpsichords, an instrument rooted in the history of both countries, served as a reminder that one’s history cannot be understood without the other. The bicentennial of these diplomatic relations was celebrated as an opportunity to reaffirm the brotherhood and parallel path that the two countries have followed.
Bicentennial of Unbreakable Ties:
Absolutely, the ties between the United States and Mexico are multifaceted, deeply rooted, and extend beyond the realms of diplomacy and trade. Some additional reasons include:
Shared Border: The United States and Mexico share a 2,000-mile border, one of the longest international borders in the world. This physical proximity inherently links the two countries and necessitates close cooperation on a range of issues, from immigration to environmental conservation.
Cultural Exchange: The United States is home to a large and influential Mexican-American population, and the cultural exchange between the two nations is profound. This exchange manifests in cuisine, music, art, and even in the Spanish language’s influence on American English. This cultural intermingling promotes understanding and strengthens ties.
Migration: The movement of people between the two countries has created strong personal and familial connections. Millions of U.S. citizens have Mexican roots, and this diaspora serves as a significant bridge between the two nations.
Economic Interdependence: As highlighted by the NAFTA agreement, and its successor, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), the economies of Mexico and the U.S. are deeply intertwined. They are not only major trade partners, but their industries rely on the exchange of goods, services, and labor.
Common Challenges: Both nations face shared challenges that require collective action, such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and environmental issues like water management in the border region.
Educational Collaboration: Each year, thousands of students travel between the two countries for study and research, fostering mutual understanding and long-term personal and professional connections.
Tourism: Millions of Americans visit Mexico every year and vice versa, further intertwining the countries through shared experiences and mutual appreciation.
All of these elements contribute to the strength and complexity of the U.S.-Mexico relationship, making the bond between them quite robust and certainly hard to break.
