The Esperanza Arts Center was the setting for an unforgettable afternoon where the magic of chamber music met creative storytelling. On April 11, the ensemble Ensemble132 delivered an outstanding performance accompanied by a bilingual narration of a reimagined version of Petruska, performed by artist, poet, and word alchemist Anjoli Santiago.

The evening featured a thoughtfully curated program of five works by Latin and European composers, selected to explore themes of magic, love, and belonging: Sonata para Cordas IV “O Burrico de Pau” by A. Carlos Gomes; Papillons by Robert Schumann; Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout VI. “Coqueteos” by Gabriela Lena Frank; Estrellita by Manuel Ponce; and Primavera Porteña by Astor Piazzolla for piano trio. The members of Ensemble132 performed each piece with artistic sensitivity and passion, culminating the concert with a reimagined version of Petruska by Igor Stravinsky, featuring arrangements by Sahun Sam Hong and narration by Anjoli Santiago.

A contemporary adaptation of Petruska

Inspired by Petruska, which tells a story of love and jealousy among three puppets, Anjoli Santiago created an updated version set in Mexico. Her narrative introduces a dancer, a monarch butterfly, and Pedro, characters who guide the audience through an emotionally rich journey. In this adaptation, Anjoli embodies the role of the magician—the figure who brings the characters to life—reclaiming the essence of the original work, in which the puppeteer animates the puppets to form a love triangle. Santiago transforms this concept into a modern story, guiding the characters through their unfolding paths.

In this version, the central character is Pedro, a young Mexican man living in a magical town that celebrates the migration of monarch butterflies. The name Pedro is a literal translation of Petruska—known in English as Peter. Santiago chose to retain the name to honor tradition and to demonstrate how a story can travel, adapt, and still preserve its essence.

Following extensive research, Santiago decided that her adaptation should resonate with contemporary realities and hold meaning for modern audiences. She chose the monarch butterfly as a central symbol, representing human and natural migration. Santiago points out that monarch butterflies cross at least two borders over the course of four generations as part of their life cycle—long before borders or migration restrictions became subjects of debate. This idea became a guiding force in her creative process.

Her research into Mexico—one of her favorite places—was particularly inspired by Agua Caliente, a town in Guasave, Sinaloa, which comes alive during monarch migration season. The authenticity of this environment influenced the structure of her adaptation, allowing the music to shape the rhythm and development of the narrative.

Ensemble132: Innovation and collaboration in chamber music

Ensemble132 is a Philadelphia‑based chamber music group recognized for its innovative approach to original arrangements. Co‑directed by pianist Sahun Sam Hong and cellist Zachary Mowitz, the ensemble regularly collaborates with the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and has established itself as a distinctive presence in the city’s contemporary music scene.