The University Choir of La Laguna celebrated its 55th anniversary this week with a concert in the Aula Magna of the César Manrique General Lecture Hall on the Guajara Campus. Under the musical direction of Bryan Eduardo Rodríguez, the group commemorated more than half a century of artistic activity in an evening that brought together numerous people and institutional representatives, highlighting its contribution to the cultural life of the academic center, as well as its role in training different generations of choral singers.
The event was attended by the Vice-Rector for Culture and University Extension of the University of La Laguna (ULL), Isabel León; the Mayor of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez; and the First Deputy Mayor, Badel Albelo. Also present were the Director of the Secretariat for Cultural Development and the Library, Isabel Castells; the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Carlos Brito; and representatives of the Faculty's Dean's team, along with a large audience who joined in the celebration.
The concert offered a journey through different musical styles and traditions with a program of thirteen pieces, combining sacred music with popular compositions and choral arrangements from various origins. Works such as 'Laudate', 'An Irish Blessing', 'Arrorró', 'Guantanamera', and 'Cantares' were part of an evening that highlighted the ensemble's richness and versatility in tackling diverse musical expressions.
One of the most moving moments featured messages from members at different stages of the group, who shared their experiences and stories from their time with it. Their testimonies highlighted that the group's impact extends far beyond the stage and musical performances. For many of these individuals, their participation provided a space for connection, learning, and personal growth that left a profound mark on their lives and, in some cases, sparked professional vocations related to music.
The Vice-Rector for Culture and University Extension, Isabel León, emphasized that the celebration of these 55 years demonstrates the vitality and richness that cultural groups bring to the entire university community, as well as to society at large. In this regard, she praised the continuity of a group that has successfully brought together people of different ages and backgrounds, capable of balancing their academic, professional, and personal responsibilities with their dedication to music.
He also emphasized that the Choir represents an example of teamwork, humility, and commitment to a shared goal, in which collective effort prevails over individualities.
A musical legacy that transcends generations
Founded in 1970, the University Choir of La Laguna has developed an artistic career characterized by the breadth of its repertoire, which ranges from Renaissance polyphony to music
His repertoire ranges from sacred music to Canarian and Latin American folklore, as well as major symphonic-choral works. This versatility has allowed him to collaborate with prominent musical figures and groups, including Alfredo Kraus and the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, as well as participate in competitions and tour Europe, America, Africa, and Asia.
Throughout its 55-year history, the group has played a prominent role in the development of choral activity linked to the institution. From its trajectory have emerged other renowned ensembles, such as the University Polyphonic Choir and the Camerata Lacunensis, which have broadened the presence of the University of La Laguna on stages throughout the islands, nationally, and internationally.
Beyond its concert activities, the ensemble also plays a vital role in the preservation, transmission, and dissemination of musical heritage, especially the traditional Canarian and Latin American repertoire. Through its performance and study, the group helps keep alive musical expressions that form part of the archipelago's cultural identity and its historical ties with territories across the Atlantic.
A new artistic stage
The University Choir is currently developing a new stage under the musical direction of Bryan Eduardo Rodríguez, originally from Cuba and incorporated into the group in 2024. His artistic proposal combines the interpretation of sacred works with popular compositions and choral arrangements from different traditions, with special attention to the musical heritage of the Canary Islands and Latin America.
Among the choir's recent events, their participation on October 1st in the concert with Joan Manuel Serrat at the University Auditorium stands out. There, they shared the stage with the singer-songwriter to perform 'Cantares'. The group plans to travel to the Basque Country at the end of October, continuing their musical activities outside the Canary Islands.
More than five decades after its beginnings, the University Choir continues to be a space for artistic creation, training and coexistence that connects different generations through music and keeps alive a significant part of the cultural heritage of the University of La Laguna.
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