What soundtrack would best suit this stunning landscape? It would have to be a full blown orchestra with piano sonatas, string quartets and dramatic, classical overtures, no? Well, this weekend, if you happen to be travelling to Bariloche, Argentina’s stunning gateway to the Patagonia, you will have the chance to experience exactly that, as some of the best classical musicians perform in a breath-taking location right in the middle of this picturesque scenery. When you think of the Argentine Patagonia and Bariloche, classical music might not be the first thing that springs to mind. On the one hand Bariloche is famous for skiing and a popular destination for adventure seeking travelers with a wide range of outdoor activities on offer, such as trekking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. Bariloche however, also has a much more tranquil and sophisticated alter ego, perfect for travelers who seek a relaxed vacation in Argentina enjoying breathtaking natural scenery. And what better way to explore this gem of the Argentine Patagonia, than combining it with a visit to one of Latin America’s largest classical music festivals. [caption id="attachment_747" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Semana-Musical-Llao-Llao-in-Bariloche Semana-Musical-Llao-Llao-in-Bariloche / Source[/caption] The Semana Musical Llao Llao in Bariloche is about to inaugurate its twentieth edition; from the 3rd until the 11th of November, musicians, music critics and classical music lovers from all over the world will flock to the South of Argentina, to be part of a very unique experience in one of Bariloche’s most stunning settings: the Llao Llao Luxury Hotel Resort, which for 10 days becomes home to the classical music festival. This dreamlike location makes for the perfect backdrop for a classical music festival and a highlight on Patagonia’s cultural calendar! The Llao Llao hotel and its surroundings –stretching to the town centre of Bariloche – will come alive with the sound of classical music over the next few days. The Semana Musical (Musical week) unites various musical styles, such as jazz, blues, the infamous Argentine tango and classical music. Various artists gather from all over the world, to delight tourists from Argentina and the rest of the world. Llao Llao Music Week began 20 years ago in Bariloche responding to the need to extend the cultural program in the area, in a bid to combine art and nature. Since then the festival has become a central tourist gathering point and a key cultural space bringing artists, travelers and publicity to the area. [caption id="attachment_749" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Nahuel-huapi-lake Nahuel-huapi-lake / Source: Daytours4u[/caption] Past Performers a the Llao Llao Musical week include stars such as Martha Argerich (a world renowned Argentine Pianist) , Yousuko Horigome, Luis Ascot, University of La Plata Quartet, Ástor Piazzolla Foundation Quintet, Rafael Gintoli, Paula Peluso, Eduardo Hubert, São Paulo Quartet, and many more. This year for the special 20th edition, tourists can enjoy performances of prominent artists from Italy, Russia, Bulgaria and Argentina and the extensive program also includes free concerts in various parts of the town of Bariloche. The repertoire displays works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Astor Piazzolla, Paquito D'Rivera, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Cesar Franck.

Bariloche's Llao Llao Hotel

This whole musical extravaganza will take place in a legendary Bariloche hotel; the luxurious Llao Llao Spa hotel, which sits on a hill in the middle of Argentina’s oldest national Park, the spectacular Nahuel Huapi National Park. Surrounded by the Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountain peaks and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes it sits in the centre of some of Patagonia's natural highlights, which are often visited by tourists on the popular Bariloche Short Circuit tour. The hotel is enormous, with it own  15-hectare park, including an 18-hole golf course! The building and its breath-taking location in itself make it a must see in Bariloche! And if you’re looking to treat yourself on your trip to Bariloche (and have a substantial budget!) you can even stay the night in one of their rooms. The hotel was built in 1934, only to be destroyed by a fire the following year. It was rebuilt in 1939 and has been standing strong ever since – along with the creation of the Nahuel Huapi National Park - becoming an essential contribution in developing tourism in the area; a part of Argentina, which at the time was still uninhabited. [caption id="attachment_748" align="aligncenter" width="540"]View-of-the-Llao-Llao-hotel View-of-the-Llao-Llao-hotel / Source: Daytours4u[/caption] If you are interested in attending a concert and want to find out more about the festival’s program, have a look at the festival’s official website here. This year to commemorate their 20 year anniversary, the festival invites every guest for dinner at the hotel after the evening concerts, providing you with a complete cultural night out in Patagonia!

If you are travelling to Bariloche, have a look at our online catalogue of tours in Bariloche. And have a read in our blog for tips and info on things to do in  Patagonia, Argentina.