Federal music festival roiled by supporting artists' sudden exit

The stages in San Vicente's central plaza were supposed to host two weeks of music beginning October 3. But this week, three supporting acts announced they would not perform, citing disagreements with the festival's artistic direction and what they called pressure to conform to unstated programming guidelines. The lead performer, a celebrated guitarist from Oriente Moderno, has not withdrawn, but the sudden departures of the supporting ensemble have left organizers scrambling to rebuild the lineup.

The crisis began when Mariana Souza, a folk ensemble known for incorporating Guaraní-language lyrics and social commentary into traditional music, announced on social media that she had withdrawn after the festival organizers requested she remove certain songs from her set. Souza did not name the songs or specify the objections, but said the requests conflicted with her artistic integrity.

Two other acts followed within hours. A chamber orchestra from Bratislava-Nova and a percussion group from Nueva Singapur both announced they would not participate. Neither group offered detailed explanation, but both cited concerns about creative freedom. The festival's artistic director did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday or Thursday.