Mexican composer María Leonora is set to transform concert experiences into profound journeys of renewal with her upcoming performances in 2025. Titled “Through All the Fire,” this series intertwines music and ritual, inspired by the ancient Mesoamerican practice of the temazcal. Leonora’s approach is both theatrical and deeply personal, designed to connect her audience with themes of transformation and resilience.
Preparing for her concerts, Leonora adopts a combat-like mentality. She adorns herself with tribal makeup and layers of clothing that she gradually removes throughout the performance. “I look into the mirror and I sort of go to war,” she explained. “I brace myself to walk through the fire and whatever happens happens.” This immersive experience aims to evoke the intense emotions surrounding renewal and rebirth.
The concept of fire as a force for change resonates throughout her work. “A fire can burn and destroy,” she stated, “but if you make it through, you can be reborn.” This philosophy mirrors the experience of entering a temazcal, a pre-Hispanic steam bath that symbolizes both suffering and cleansing. Archaeologist Agustín Ortiz notes that these baths served as a passageway between the living world and the underworld, central to Mesoamerican culture.
Leonora’s musical journey began at the age of 16 when she discovered the healing power of music through punk rock during a challenging adolescence. Learning to play the drums launched her onto the stage, where she quickly recognized the transformative impact of performance. “I can honestly say it saved my life,” she reflected. This personal history fuels her desire to lead audiences from darkness into light through “Through All the Fire,” where she performs a diverse selection of songs aimed at fostering connection and self-discovery.
Each concert is designed to be an “immersive” experience. Producer Diego Cristian Saldaña emphasized the importance of sound, lighting, and visuals in engaging the audience. “We want the audience to feel enveloped in the experience of each song,” he said. Feedback from attendees highlights the effectiveness of this approach. In a video released by the Mexico City Ministry of Culture, one audience member remarked that each performance was deeply gratifying, while another noted that despite feeling drained before the show, she left invigorated and ready to embrace life.
The concerts begin with Leonora’s voice inviting attendees to cross a “salt circle,” symbolizing a departure from the outside world. As the performance unfolds, she explores themes of love and heartbreak, gradually stripping away layers of clothing and makeup to symbolize emotional release. The climax arrives when she encourages her audience to howl or scream—an act of liberation. “Our last song is like a first ray of light,” she explained, allowing participants to reflect on their past while looking forward to new beginnings.
Leonora’s work not only showcases her artistic vision but also serves as a modern interpretation of ancient rituals, illustrating the enduring power of music to heal and transform. As she prepares for her concert series, the anticipation builds for an event that promises to be both a celebration of music and a journey into the depths of the human experience.
