The first work to be sung by Los Cantantes del Lago, "The Foundling Hospital Anthem" is one of G.F. Handel's lesser known works. It was written a couple of years after the infamous "Messiah" for the benefit of the same institution, the Foundling Hospital Orphanage. The first performance was believed to have been performed for the rich and elite by an all-women cast which would have been a very unusual presentation in its day. A drawing of the performance has been found -- an all female orchestra and chorus. As was customary for the period, Handel used some themes and compositions from other works. Thus, the work ends with his famous "Hallelujah Chorus". They would have 'used' men to come in and join them for some of the choruses. The original work is for orchestra and chorus and soloists. Cantantes' Music Director, Tim Welch has arranged this for harpsichord, cello, flute and violin.

One of the children's composition's "Duérmete ya" was written by Guadalajara composer Maestro Rafael Eduardo García Cueva. Another piece, "Chico de Mis Ojos", was arranged by Maestro Juan José Medina de la Cruz, Asesor del Área de la Música, Secretaria de Educación, for the State of Jalisco. This piece was found in the archives of the Cathedral of Guadalajara and dates back to the 17th Century.

Program Part One