Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – On Wednesday, January 8th at 8:00 pm, a benefit concert featuring the works of JS Bach, Scarlatti, Handel and L. Cohen performed by local musicians Jean-Guy Comeau, Shanti Doelger and Astro Delta on organ; concert organizer David Boz on trumpet and singers Kathy Overly (soprano) and Rodolfo (baritone), will be held at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta’s crown jewel.
You haven’t truly experienced the rich history of Puerto Vallarta until you have visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the heart of El Centro (downtown).
Construction of the cathedral began in 1929 and took twelve years to complete. The church tower and crown were designed by the Parra Castillo presbytery. Contrary to popular belief, the crown is not a replica of the one worn by Empress Charlotte, nevertheless its dominates the downtown skyline and is known around the world as the symbol of Puerto Vallarta.
Inside, visitors find authentic works of art such as the paintings that decorate the cupola by painter Daniel Lechon, the Via Cruces along its interior walls, the pulpit, the confessional, the antique marble altar, and the communion railings, cut of precious woods by Señor Martiniano Ramírez.
Most impressive is the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe created by artist Ignacio Ramírez, a faithful copy, consecrated by the original found in Her Basilica in Mexico City.
Over the years, the church has become one of the most visited and photographed places by tourists who visit our city. It is open to visitors every day of the year, with masses held at different times during the day in Spanish, and sometimes in English.
If you haven’t visited before, make plans now to attend the benefit concert on Wednesday, January 8th at 8:00 pm. The musicians are freely donating their time and talents, so admission to this wonderful evening of classical music is free, but an offering will be passed during the concert for the benefit of those less fortunate.
BN Editor’s Note: The benefit concert’s organizer, David Boz, has played internationally in recording studios and on stage with various Grammy winners as a guitarist, vocalist and trumpet player. In 2018, he released “Blissing” an album inspired in Puerto Vallarta, where some of the songs were composed. He invites you to visit davidboz.bandcamp.com, where you can listen to and download his original music for free. While there, please consider donating to Amigos del Magisterio in Puerto Vallarta, or one of the other charitable organizations listed on each song’s download page.
