Living in Peru : your everyday companion

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

Opera lovers in Lima, Peru, will be able to enjoy the latest New York Metropolitan Opera House (aka MET) version of “Hoffman's Tales” tomorrow, Dec, 19, at Larcomar UVK Multicines.

This performance, that will be digitally broadcasted simultaneously to 42 countries including Peru, will be seen in real time in Lima at 1pm, and also will be heard via Filarmonia Radio 102.7 FM.

“Les Contes D'Hoffman,” (Tales of Hoffman) that tells the stories of three women, is the most known Jacques Offenbach's (1819-1880) opera; first staged at MET last Dec. 3, this production is influenced by film noir and the French cabaret styles.

The recorded performance will be broadcasted on Dec. 21 and 28at 7:30pm.

Tickets are already on sale at Larcomar UVK Multicines.

More information on future scheduled transmissions here.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

The National Geographic television network will broadcast in January a documentary about the latest findings registered at Kuelap (Amazonas), called "Mystery in the tombs of Kuelap,” according to the Mayor of Chachapoyas, Peter Lerche.

He explained that the television footage focuses on the possible reasons of the death of hundreds of Kuelap residents, whose remains have been found.

"The material will be available in English next month and will be in Spanish by mid 2010," he said.

He revealed that municipal workers from the Municipality of Chachapoyas participated as actors in some scenes.

The archaeologists Alfredo Narvaez, Sonia Guillen, and a US archaeologist explain the facts, including that some versions might indicate that there was an internal clash rather than an external invasion.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

Claudia Llosa's film "La Teta Asustada" ("The Milk of Sorrow") won the Best Fiction category, and got another prize for artistic direction at the 31st International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, held in Havana.

According to the organizing committee, the film was awarded with the Coral Prize for fiction movie, and another prize for artistic direction.

The jurors explained that their decision was based on "its approach to the the violence in Peru, showcasing in the process the country's rich tradition and culture," according to international news wires.

"La Teta Asustada" won the first prize from among 20 films; the artistic direction was in charge of Susana Torres and Patricia Bueno.

The film will represent Peru in the selection for the Oscar Awards next year.

Llosa's film had previously won the Golden Bear at Berlin Festival.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

Peruvian Nativity Scenes, done according to several regional traditions (some of them are 1.65m tall), as well as typical bijouterie, leatherwork, painting, sculpture, woodwork and pottery are only a few of the varieties of folk handicrafts that can be appreciated for the first time in Lima.

The great Cusco's “Santurantikuy” fair has opened its doors at the Parque de la Amistad, in the Limenian district of Surco.

“Santurantikuy,” which means "saints for sale" is a huge annual fair which reunites over 2,000 artisans from Cusco, who gather in the Plaza de Armas (Main Square).

This year, and for the first time, the most notable artisans are exhibiting their work in Lima.

The Santurantikuy Fair will be open to visitors until December 11th at the Parque de la Amistad (Av. Caminos del Inca and Calle Las Nazarenas, Surco).

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

Andina

With 275 people at last Sunday's Plácido Domingo Awards Dinner at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the world-famous Spanish operatic tenor presented this year's awards to the celebrated Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez.

Under the crystal chandeliers in the pavilion's Grand Hall, following "The Barber of Seville," Domingo presented this year's awards to the celebrated Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez, who had just sung the role of Count Almaviva.

Digressing from his prepared remarks, Domingo said he has been singing opera for 50 years, beginning as Borsa in "Rigoletto" at the National Opera in Mexico City.

"You can imagine how many singers I have heard," he said, before launching into praise for Florez for "the beauty of his voice, the ability of his coloratura, his great personality and the amazing height of the high notes."

Hardly a one-sided admiration, Florez said Domingo has always been his idol. To receive such an award and hear such words, he said, "You have to pinch yourself to see that you're awake."

According to Alicia Garcia Clark, chairwoman of Hispanics for L.A. Opera, the night's proceeds came to more than $100,000.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

Andina

The use of raw materials related to the environment is increasing competitiveness to handicraft of Catacaos (Piura) in the international market, the Executive Director of “Joyeria de Catacaos” Technology Innovation Center, Hernan Macalupu said Thursday.

“For example, in the production of handcrafted items consisting of straw, tissues and pottery, artisans do not use toxic materials, but plant products such as dyes, a procedure that is highly valued in the international market,” he said.

However, he added that in order to achieve a greater competitiveness in international markets, artisans must receive training permanently, which will allow them to create new designs and develop new products, consistent with market trends.

In that sense, he highlighted the work performed by Fundacion Romero in favor of handicraft of Piura, which allow artisans to improve their productive and management capacities, as well as promote their participation in international fairs.

“The purpose of Fundacion Romero is to provide training and contribute with handicrafts so they can join local and international markets in order to improve their incomes and living conditions, and invigorate the region’s cultural wealth,” he added.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

Puerto Maldonado, the capital city of Madre de Dios will held the First Photographic Exhibition About Indigenous Peoples of Madre de Dios 2009, organized by the Native Federation of Madre de Dios (FENAMAD) as part of the celebrations in the anniversary of Madre de Dios region, between December 1oth and 27th.

These photographs have been collected since years ago, and probably the most significant ones are the old photos dating from the 40s and 50s, the period when the Dominican missions contacted the Harakmbut people who were living in isolation until then.

Another group of photographs were taken by Tobias Schneebaum, who lived in the 50s (during seven years) in a native Harakmbut community. Another set of photos provides an overview of life in the current times for the natives.

The exhibition, to be held at INC in Puerto Maldonado, will showcase a total of 30 photographs depicting the past and present of the indigenous communities living in the Amazonian basin of Madre de Dios.

The region is home of 33 native communities from seven ethno-linguistic groups: Yine, Matsiguenka, Harakmbut, Ese Eja, Amahuaca, Kichua Runa and Shipibo.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

The popular Puno festivity will land in Lima; the president of the Regional Federation of Folklore and Culture of Puno, Yenny Silva Quispe, confirmed that the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival 2010 will officially start on Tuesday, December 15th.

The event will be held at the Government Palace in Lima, with the presence of President Alan García Pérez, Congressmen from Puno and Miss Peru Karen Schwarz.

According to a spokesperson from the Federation, Puno authorities and international media have been invited, too.

The official launch of the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival in Lima will start a month of full of different events regarding to culture, customs, devotion and feelings of the devotees, who will perform dances such as Morenada, Diablada, Ayarachis, Sikuris and others.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

The famous Christmas ballet "The Nutcracker" will be performed in Lima again (like every December since 1988) by the Municipal ballet.

"The Nutcracker" is a story that takes place in a distant Christmas day in 19th Century: a girl is given a ridiculous present, a nutcracker doll instead of a marionette, and decides to keep it anyway.

Suddenly, in the middle of the night, the puppet transforms into a prince, with whom the girl will live some adventures; but eventually the little girl realizes all has been a nothing but a dream.

The first performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 18th, 1892.

This version of the Municipal Ballet is directed by Lucy Telge de Linder, with more than 100 dancers in stage.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

A documentary about the "Diablada" dance will be recorded in Puno, to promote its origins and its traditional value, informed Jose Morales Serruto, representative of Asociacion Nativa Puno. The film is sponsored by the Puno-born businessman Elio Quenta Chalco, who is very interested in the project.

The filming could begin in next January.

"The Diablada is part of our cultural heritage and has a great importance here at this zone. The documentary looks forward to defend our culture, and could be filmed in Puno, Paucarcolla and Yunguyo," said Morales, adding that the film will have original music, so they are looking for local composers, singers, as well as actors.

"We are also searching for a production company in Lima to help us in the final project and to contribute in the commercial distribution of the film inside and outside Peru," added Morales Serruto.

The story of the Diablada will begin at colonial time to present days, and the budget will include shooting and marketing.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.