Classical Music
The inclusion of Classical Music within the musical expressions of Puerto Rico may seem odd to some people but the fact is that the island has had an active classical music scene since the 19th century. It was during the 20th century, however, that Puerto Rican Classical Music reached its full maturity, stimulated by the foundation of the Festival Casals (1956), the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra (1958) and the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico (1960). One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Puerto Rican Classical Music is how composers integrate elements from Caribbean music traditions into their compositions, like we can appreciate in the video below of the Concierto Antillano from Ernesto Cordero, one of the most important Puerto Rican composers.