National Museum of American History Presents Exhibition with a Focus on a Spanish Translation of the Star-Spangled Banner Anthem

What:

Press breakfast and exhibition preview for “Not Lost in Translation: The Life of Clotilde Arias,” which opens at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History during Hispanic Heritage Month

When:

Thursday, September 27, 2012 – 9:00am

Where:

National Museum of American History
14th Street and Madison Drive N.W.
NOTE: Enter via Madison Drive entrance

“Not Lost in Translation: The Life of Clotilde Arias,” provides a rich look into the life of a Peruvian immigrant who arrived in New York from Iquitos, Peru, in 1923 at age 22. Known for her composition “Huiracocha,” which is revered and still performed around the world, Arias led an atypical life. A composer, musician, journalist, copywriter, activist and educator, she was commissioned in 1945 by the State Department to provide an official translation of the U.S. national anthem that could be sung in Spanish. The exhibit opens Sept. 29 in the Albert Small Documents Gallery.

The press event features a preview of the anthem “El Pendón Estrellado” with a solo performance. Coral Cantigas, a chamber chorus specializing in the music of Latin America, will bring Arias’ translation to life Saturday, Sept. 29, in a free program, “The Star-Spangled Banner en español,” which also features “Huiracocha.” Performances by the full chorus are set for 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in front of the Star-Spangled Banner gallery. Peruvian food specials will be served in the Stars and Stripes Cafe with a guest demonstration Sept. 29 by Peruvian embassy chef Jorge Gomez.

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SI-422-2012