British soprano Sarah Brightman will be performing a series of concerts in Mexico in the month of October, starting with a concert in Ciudad Juarez on October 2nd, which will be the grand finale of the Festival Internacional Chihuahua. On October 5th she will perform at Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional, on October 7th at the Auditorio Siglo XXI in Puebla, on October 9 at the Auditorio Telmex in Guadalajara, and on October 11 at the Arena Monterrey in Monterrey. Finally, on October 31st, she will present a concert at the ancient Maya site Chichen Itza, in a concert which is being billed as the Concierto de la Piramide (Concert of the Pyramid).
Since the date of the concert in Chichen Itza marks the beginning of Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, this will be an opportunity for visitors to enjoy these two events during one trip.
Placido Domingo performed in Chichen Itza in October 2008, in an event that attracted around four thousand spectators. The planning of that concert brought about a controversy about the use of the archaeological site as a concert venue. Detractors claim that holding concerts in ancient sites can expose them to additional damage and degrade their cultural significance. What do you think? Please answer our poll.
Tickets for the Sara Brightman concerts can be purchased through Ticketmaster Mexico. Read about other festivals and events in Mexico in October.
Holding special events, such as concerts, at archeological sites can add a power you can’t ignore. However, if it is to be done, then I believe it must be done in such a way as to not negatively impact the site. I think things can often be managed to do that… possibly even holding such an event just outside some sites, where the site is within sight.
I believe some of these ancient sites were originally “concert venues” in their time (be it for entertainment or religious purposes). I think care should be taken as the vibrations put out from modern amplifiers and speakers must cause some degradation of these ancient sites!
The sacred nature of these sites should also be respected and those making money from them… well… be sure to repay the gods
The concert was amazing! Sarah Brightman has one of the sweetest yet, powerful voices I’ve ever heard. Although the tickets were a bit expensive, I LOVED IT! Check this post I found. Information and great pictures!
Sarah Brightman at Chichen Itza
greetings from Mexico
Hi to everybody I agree that the concert was amazing!
If you are curious here are some photos of the event and videos.
http://www.yucatanholidays.travel/guidebook/sarah-brightman-an-unforgettable-night-in-chichen-itza/