A WELL-deserved standing ovation greeted this Mexican double act – and their two children – at the close of their outstanding concert.
Playing the ‘Salterio’ – the Mexican version of the dulcimer – the lucky audience not only got a musical tour of the history of central America’s largest country but also some up to date numbers, all played on this multi stringed instrument and accompanied by piano.
Alejandra Barrientos and Hector Larios had earlier held a workshop on the salterio, which came close to dying out in its adopted country but for the efforts of this astonishing family who now actively take it to some of the most deprives areas of their country to ensure the next generation grow to love and play it.
Councillor Bill Hartnett (Lab, Church Hill) introduced the concert, he said: “It was a tremendous evening; it’s such a versatile instrument and they played everything from classical works from the Mexican Revolution up to today, and even a version of ‘La Bamba’ they were so good.”
Sally Whytehead from Redditch, who champions the dulcimer and last year brought the highly successful Dulcimer World Congress to the UK, added: “I first me Duo Dulcemos at a dulcimer world congress in Moldova – they were the first act on and they were absolutely fantastic, and I’ve kept in touch with them ever since.”
Anyone who missed the concert but wants to find out more should head to Croome Park near Pershore which will be hosting the Big Friendly Read and featuring dulcimer playing.
