CLASSICAL WEEKEND 2025 – Sinsontes

Sinsontes, which was formed in 2010, is an enthusiastic group of a dozen or so singers, who meet regularly to learn and perform music from the Hispanic world. Our repertoire of mainly Spanish-language songs covers many styles and moods, and embraces works from the Renaissance to the present day, from Iberia and the Americas. We regularly perform at music festivals locally, and also at events such as benefit concerts and parties.

Sinsontes, with guitar soloist and accompanist, Catherine Carr.

Ojos brujos  (Cuba) Gonzalo Roig.  Arranged by Electo Silva.

I’m utterly bewitched by a pair of eyes, my heart and soul stolen away, drowning in a sapphire sea.

Por una cabeza  (Argentina) Alfredo Le Pera/Carlos Gardel. Arranged by Bay Whitaker.

Every time I back a dead cert at the races, or I reckon I’m set up for a romantic evening, it all goes pear-shaped. The lady gives me the cold shoulder, the horse is pipped at the post. Every damned time. Dames, nags – what’s the point?

Sun sun paloma (Cuba)  Alejandro Rodríguez. Arranged by Electo Silva.

Little dove, take me to your nest, I’m in love with your beautiful colours. When I see you nestling, I want you to kiss me. With your coral beak and ivory white feathers, you thrill me as you fly.

Que tinguem sort (Catalonia) Lluis Llach.

If this is goodbye, let it be a fine, clear day with beautiful bird song. Be lucky, and I hope you find in someone else what I couldn’t give you. But if you stay, don’t expect an easy path, a bed of roses. Let’s just hope for the blessing of a long life.

El Arroyo que murmura  (Cuba) Jorge Anckermann. Arranged by Electo Silva.

The silvery moon’s beams are reflected in a murmuring brook, while the birds forage in the undergrowth, silently patrol above the fields or – like the sinsonte – sing joyfully.

Du Haut du Balcon. (Canada) Olivier Demers.

Guitar solo.

Con el viento. (Spain) Anon.

The sea breeze lulled me to sleep, there in the sand dunes, the rhythmic waves lapping the stars; I fell asleep, beneath the stars, among the rustling reeds.

Prado verde y florido. (Spain) Francisco Guerrero.

Oh, I wish that the verdant, shady landscape, the cool, clear spring, the flower-filled meadows, the gentle breeze, could prevail on my beloved shepherdess: soften her stony heart, and relieve my ardent suffering…

De Cuba para la Habana  (Cuba) Anon. Arranged by Electo Silva.

On the road from Santiago de Cuba to Havana I encountered the most beautiful young woman. Surely, just down from the mountains, I thought. “No, from that little shack, right over there by the sugar plantation”, she answered. “Come, my lovely…”

Dulce embeleso  (Cuba) Miguel Matamoros. Arranged by Electo Silva.

The enchanting memory of your sweet kiss fills my daydreaming mind, with lingering, aching sadness.

Gracias a la vida (Chile) Violeta Parra. Arranged by Electo Silva.

I am so grateful to life, that has given me so much: the senses, limbs and faculties to perceive, enjoy and understand the world, as I pass through its many scenes; a heart and soul to love and be loved, sorrow and laughter; the gift of language, and a voice that is mine, and everyone’s.