Author: Alfredo Casuso

Un Día de Viaje: ¡San Fernando, Sanlúcar – Dios Mío!

— Por David Eugene Perry

Después de un desayuno deliciosamente decadente en el Parador, nos dirigimos al paseo marítimo de Cádiz, aún pensando en cómo la vieja ciudad fue alguna vez una verdadera isla, conectada a tierra firme únicamente por estrechos istmos y puentes construidos en el siglo XX. La brisa marina transporta siglos de historia: fenicios, griegos, romanos y moros dejaron su huella en este enclave atlántico.

De allí cruzamos hacia San Fernando, desde siempre ligado a la tradición naval de España, y hacemos una parada en su Museo Naval. Es un tesoro para un “apasionado de los barcos” como yo, y una excelente preparación para mi próxima serie de presentaciones de historia marítima “Liner Lore” a bordo del Oosterdam de Holland America y el Encore de Seabourn.

Algunos puntos destacados:

• Una maqueta finamente elaborada del trasatlántico Cristóbal Colón, que en su día fue vapor correo en rutas desde Bilbao, Santander y Gijón hacia La Habana, México y Nueva York. Ver sus detalles en madera policromada devuelve a la vida el glamour de los viajes oceánicos de principios del siglo XX. Hundido en octubre de 1936, es el pecio más grande (y en aguas poco profundas, uno de los más populares para bucear) frente a las Bermudas.

• Exposiciones sobre los inicios de la Aviación Naval Española: en 1917 el rey Alfonso XIII aprobó la creación de una rama aérea de la Armada, y en 1925 España ya contaba con sus primeros aviones navales, dirigibles y una base en El Prat de Llobregat.

• Un llamativo emblema y maqueta del portaaviones Dédalo, símbolo de la era moderna de la aviación naval española.

• Una conmovedora galería sobre la Gesta del Glorioso (1747), cuando el capitán Pedro Mesía de la Cerda luchó contra escuadrones británicos transportando cuatro millones de pesos en plata. A pesar de las enormes desventajas, hundió barcos enemigos antes de verse obligado a arriar bandera al agotársele la munición — un testimonio de la pericia marinera española.

• El inquietante busto semipreservado de la Virgen del Rosario, que solía llevarse a bordo de barcos como patrona de los marineros. Textos ocultos encontrados en su interior durante una restauración en 2011 hablan de plegarias por travesías seguras en mares peligrosos. Esta figura de proa encabezaba una de las naves españolas durante la crucial Batalla de Lepanto. El guía, claramente un orgulloso veterano de la Armada, me dijo: “este es el objeto más importante del museo”. Estoy absolutamente de acuerdo. Lepanto siempre me ha fascinado, y es sin duda uno de los momentos más importantes de la historia mundial del último milenio.

• Un retrato de Ana María de Soto y Alhama (1775–1833), quien se disfrazó de hombre para servir en la Armada. Luchando a bordo de fragatas y en la batalla del Cabo de San Vicente, obtuvo el grado y la pensión de sargento primero — prueba de que el coraje en el mar no conocía género.

Al dejar San Fernando, seguimos hacia el norte por la Costa de la Luz. Nuestra primera pausa es en Rota, un pueblo donde la base naval estadounidense marca la vida diaria. Americanos y españoles se mezclan aquí; los militares suelen vivir fuera de la base, mientras que muchos locales encuentran trabajo estable dentro.

Un poco más allá está Costa Ballena, un complejo turístico de playas, campos de golf y apartamentos aireados construido en los años 90. Muchos de los que trabajan en la base lo convierten en su hogar, atraídos por su comodidad moderna y su cercanía al mar.

En Chipiona, alzamos la vista hacia su faro imponente, el más alto de España, y luego visitamos el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Regla, guardiana de los marineros. Aquí todavía se respira el legado de la legendaria cantante Rocío Jurado, “La Más Grande”; su estatua junto al mar es lugar de peregrinación. Solo mi favorita personal, Lola Flores, es aún más icónica. Tristemente, ambas han fallecido, pero su música y su influencia siguen siendo ubicuas — especialmente en Andalucía. El dulce vino moscatel es el orgullo de Chipiona, y sus doradas playas parecen no acabar nunca, salpicadas de bodegas.

Finalmente, llegamos a Sanlúcar de Barrameda, en la desembocadura del Guadalquivir, donde el río se encuentra con el océano. Como mi nueva novela en preparación, Thorns of the 15 Roses, incluye al personaje histórico Juan Ponce de León, una visita aquí, desde donde zarpó en el segundo viaje de Colón, era obligada. Sanlúcar rebosa historia. Algunos hitos que me interesan especialmente:

• El Segundo Viaje de Colón (1493) se aprovisionó en Sanlúcar antes de llevar colonos y ganado al Caribe.

• Su Tercer Viaje (1498) zarpó de este mismo puerto, rumbo a Trinidad y al continente sudamericano.

Una generación después, Magallanes partió con cinco naves en 1519, y Elcano regresó maltrecho en 1522, completando la primera circunnavegación del mundo a bordo de la nao Victoria.

Durante nuestra breve estancia en Sanlúcar, finalmente encontré mi viajera estatua de San Pancracio. Es tradición que oficinas, bares y otros negocios en España tengan una pequeña figura del “Patrón del Trabajo”. Mi oficina remota ya está completa.

Al recorrer el casco antiguo, paramos a tomar un vermut y una cerveza. Sin duda Juan Ponce de León también lo hizo aquí, antes de iniciar el segundo viaje de Colón. 🙂 Es un lugar especial. Esta ciudad de apenas 70.000 habitantes fue declarada “Capital Española de la Gastronomía” en 2022. Bodegas, y en particular aquellas especializadas en la manzanilla local, se alinean junto a bares de croquetas en la plaza principal que lleva a las orillas del Guadalquivir, de donde partieron legendarios viajes de descubrimiento.

Pero la última sorpresa del día nos esperaba: el Castillo de Santiago en la parte alta del casco antiguo. Junto a bodegas históricas, incluida la legendaria Barbadillo, se alza una de las fortalezas mejor conservadas e impresionantes de España. Desde estas murallas una joven Reina Isabel vio el mar por primera vez. Unas décadas después, desde estas mismas aguas, enviaba a Colón al “Nuevo Mundo”.

Bien andados y bien historiados, regresamos a nuestro lugar favorito en Grazalema, Zulema, y brindamos por dos días increíbles siguiendo los pasos de los exploradores.

A Day’s Journey: San Fernando, Sanlúcar – Oh My! 
— By David Eugene Perry

After a deliciously decadent breakfast at the Parador we head to the Cádiz waterfront, still thinking about how the old city was once a true island, connected to the mainland only by narrow causeways and bridges built in the 20th century. The sea breeze carries centuries of history: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Moors all left their imprint on this Atlantic outpost.

From there, we cross toward San Fernando, long tied to Spain’s naval tradition, and make a stop at its Maritime Museum. It’s a treasure trove for a “ship nut” like me, and good preparation for my next set of “Liner Lore” maritime history presentations aboard Holland America “Oosterdam” and Seabourn “Encore.”

Here are some highlights.

• A finely crafted model of the transatlantic liner Cristóbal Colón, once a mail steamer running routes from Bilbao, Santander, and Gijón to Havana, Mexico, and New York. Seeing its polychrome wood detail brings to life the glamour of early 20th-century ocean travel. Wrecked in October 1936, she’s the largest wreck (and in shallow water a popular diveable one) off Bermuda l.

• Exhibits on the dawn of Spanish Naval Aviation: in 1917, King Alfonso XIII approved the creation of an aviation branch of the Armada, and by 1925 Spain boasted its first naval planes, dirigibles, and a base at El Prat de Llobregat.

• A bold patch and model of the carrier Dédalo, symbolizing Spain’s modern naval aviation era.

• A moving gallery on the Gesta del Glorioso (1747), when Captain Pedro Mesía de la Cerda fought through successive British squadrons carrying four million pesos of silver. Despite immense odds, he sank enemy ships before finally being forced to strike his colors when his ammunition was exhausted — a testament to Spanish seamanship.

• The haunting, half-preserved bust of the Virgen del Rosario, once carried aboard ships as a patroness of sailors. Hidden texts found inside it during a 2011 restoration speak of prayers for safe passage across dangerous seas. This figurehead was at the bow of one of the Spanish ships during the seminal Battle of Lepanto. The docent, clearly a proud Spanish navy veteran, told me “this is the most important item in the museum.” I would absolutely agree. Lepanto has always fascinated me, and is inarguably one of the most important moments in world history of the last millennium.

• A portrait of Ana María de Soto y Alhama (1775–1833), who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Navy. Fighting aboard frigates and at the battle of Cape St. Vincent, she earned the rank and pension of a first sergeant — proof that courage at sea knew no gender.

Leaving San Fernando, we continue north along the Costa de la Luz. Our first pause is in Rota, a town where the U.S. naval base shapes daily life. Americans and Spaniards mingle here; service members often live off base, while locals find steady work within.

Just beyond is Costa Ballena, the “Whale Coast,” a resort complex of beaches, golf courses, and airy apartments built in the 1990s. Many who work at the base make it home, drawn by its modern comfort and proximity to the sea.

In Chipiona, we crane our necks up at the towering lighthouse, tallest in Spain, then visit the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Regla, guardian of sailors. Here the legacy of the legendary singer Rocío Jurado, “La Más Grande,” still permeates; her statue by the waterfront is a place of pilgrimage. Only my personal favorite, Lola Flores, is more iconic. but Sadly, both those great talents have passed on, but their music and influence is ubiquitous still — especially in Andalucía. Sweet moscatel wine is Chipiona’s pride, and its golden beaches stretch endlessly, punctuated with bodegas.

Finally, we arrive in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, poised on the Guadalquivir where river meets ocean. As my underway new novel, “Thorns of the 15 Roses”, includes the historical character Juan Ponce de Leon, a visit here from whence he sailed on Columbus’ second voyage is a must. Sanlúcar is drunk with history. Some highlights that especially interest me:

• Columbus’ Second Voyage (1493) provisioned in Sanlúcar before carrying settlers and livestock to the Caribbean.

• His Third Voyage (1498) set sail from this very port, bound for Trinidad and the South American mainland.

A generation later, Magellan departed with five ships in 1519, and Elcano limped back in 1522, completing the world’s first circumnavigation aboard the nao Victoria.

During our brief stop in Sanlúcar, we finally find my traveling San Pancracio statue. It’s tradition for offices, bars and other businesses in Spain to have a small figurine of “The Patrion Saint of Work.” My remote office is now complete. 

As we visit the old town, we stop for a vermut and beer. Undoubtedly Juan Ponce de León had one here, too, before starting Christopher Columbus’ second voyage. 🙂 It’s quite the place. This city of only 70,000 was declared “Spain’s Capital of Gastonomy” in 2022. Wineries and especially those specializing in the local sherry, manzanilla, stand cheek to croqueta, along the main plaza leading to the banks of the Guadalquivir from which legendary voyages of discovery departed.

But, the final treat of the day awaited: the Castle of Santiago in the upper part of the old town. Next to historic wineries, including the legendary Barbadillo Bodega is arguably one of Spain’s best preserved and most impressive fortresses. From these ramparts a young Queen Isabella saw the sea for the first time. A few decades later, she was sending Columbus to “The New World” from these very waters.

Well walked and well historied, we return to our favorite Grazalema watering hole, Zulema, and toast an incredible two days walking in the steps of explorers.

Beware Fake News Sites in Times of Crisis

On a day of stomach turning violence, witnessed by millions now who have seen the video of Charlie Kirk’s murder (images akin to the Zapruder film of the JFK assassination), this story (link below) should be a warning and call to action for all of us in the communications business. 

Before we speak, post or share: know the truth, know the source, and know if it’s real. Fake news sites to make money are a cancer on our society. Sadly, they’re not going away, so we must be ever more vigilant.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/technology/charlie-kirk-shooting-false-accusation.html?smid=url-sharem

September 18 Acclaimed Operatic Soprano Breanna Sinclairé Featured Soloist in World Premiere of Andrew Yee’s Trans Requiem at Trinity

Media Contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Acclaimed Operatic Soprano Breanna Sinclairé
Featured Soloist in World Premiere of Andrew Yee’s Trans Requiem
at Trinity NYC September 18

NOVUS “Renewal: Undivided” concert invites audiences into empathy and transformation;
free registration recommended

10 September 2025 — San Francisco / New York: NOVUS, Trinity’s acclaimed new-music ensemble, continues its groundbreaking Renewal series with Undivided, culminating in the world premiere of Andrew Yee’s Trans Requiem on Thursday, September 18, a large-scale work for trans voices, choirs, and orchestra commissioned by Trinity. Internationally recognized soprano Breanna Sinclairé joins fellow soloist Katherine Goforth, the Trinity Choir, Trinity Youth Chorus, and NOVUS in this bold celebration of authenticity and dignity.

“Trans Requiem gives voice to memory, resilience, and joy—without apology,” said Breanna Sinclairé. “To sing this premiere with Trinity is to stand in the light with my community and say: our stories are sacred, our lives are music, and every voice deserves to be heard.”

In addition to Trans Requiem, the program features a Trinity arrangement of Samuel Barber’s Agnus Dei (Adagio for Strings) and Pauline Oliveros’ Sonic Meditations, inviting everyone in the church to become performers and collaborators—an immersive act of community listening and shared breath.

“Trinity’s Renewal series is about transforming how we gather and why we sing,” said Melissa Baker, Director, Artistic Planning for Trinity. “Andrew Yee’s Trans Requiem expands the choral-orchestral tradition with a powerful, deeply personal statement. With Breanna Sinclairé, Katherine Goforth, our choirs, and NOVUS, audiences will experience an evening of empathy, courage, and breathtaking artistry.”

Breanna Sinclairé is an acclaimed American soprano and the first transgender woman to sing the U.S. national anthem at a professional sporting event. A graduate of CalArts and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, she has appeared with leading artists and orchestras at major venues across the U.S. and Europe, in productions including Carmen, The Magic Flute, and La Calisto. Sinclairé was featured in the opera-film Bound (Against the Grain Theatre), starred in PBS’s True Colors: LGBTQ+ Our Stories, Our Songs, and was honored by the San Francisco Business Times as an Outstanding Voice. Media features include The New York Times, NPR, and CNN. More: breannasinclaire.com.

Trinity Church NYC is an Episcopal parish in Lower Manhattan known for a vibrant spiritual life and a globally recognized music program. Through the Trinity Choir, Trinity Youth Chorus, and NOVUS (Trinity’s new-music ensemble), Trinity commissions, performs, and records repertoire spanning centuries, with a special commitment to new work that speaks to today. Trinity’s concerts, community partnerships, and free or low-cost offerings make world-class music accessible to all while fostering creativity, compassion, and civic engagement.

Performance details
Thursday, September 18, 2025 — 7:00 p.m. (recorded performance)
Venue: Trinity Church (Wall Street)
Tickets: Free; registration highly recommended as seating is limited
Registration: event page here
We suggest arriving 45 minutes before start time. Admission is first-come, first-served, with ticket holders receiving priority (not guaranteed if capacity is reached).

Program at a Glance

• World Premiere: Andrew Yee — Trans Requiem (commissioned by Trinity)
• Samuel Barber — Agnus Dei (Adagio for Strings), Trinity arrangement
• Pauline Oliveros — Sonic Meditations (audience-participatory)

Performers: Breanna Sinclairé (soprano), Katherine Goforth (soloist), Trinity Choir, Trinity Youth Chorus, and NOVUS.

Registration (free): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/novus-renewal-undivided-tickets-1542599750379?aff=MusicNewsletter

Orvieto 1943: War, Memory, and the Stories We Still Tell

On September 9, 1943, the people of Orvieto awoke to a new reality. Italy had just signed the Armistice of Cassibile, surrendering to the Allies and breaking with Nazi Germany. Within hours, German troops swept into Umbria, executing Operation Achse, a lightning-fast plan to occupy central and northern Italy.

Perched on its volcanic cliffs between Florence and Rome, Orvieto’s strategic location made it a vital prize. German soldiers disarmed Italian troops, imposed curfews, and requisitioned supplies. The city’s majestic Gothic cathedral, a symbol of endurance and beauty, became the silent witness to fear, hunger, and uncertainty.

Tragedy at the Bridge of Allerona

Beyond Orvieto’s walls, the war’s cruelty struck in an unexpected way. On January 28, 1944, Allied bombers targeted the bridge at Allerona as a German train crossed it. Unknown to the pilots, that train was filled with Allied prisoners of war. The attack killed and wounded hundreds in one of the most devastating friendly-fire disasters of the campaign. Survivors described leaping from flaming boxcars into the Tiber River below—a moment of chaos and despair still etched in memory.

The Seven Martyrs

Inside Orvieto, resistance had its price. On March 22, 1944, seven young men accused of aiding partisans were executed by the occupying Germans. They became the “Sette Martiri di Orvieto” (Seven Martyrs of Orvieto), a permanent symbol of courage and sacrifice. Their story continues to inspire, standing for all those who risked their lives to defy tyranny.

Liberation and the “Open City”

By early June 1944, Allied troops were pressing north after the fall of Rome. To preserve its historic center from destruction, Orvieto was declared an “open city.” The decision—shaped in part by quiet negotiations between the German commander and local clergy—saved the cathedral and much of Orvieto’s heritage. When Allied forces entered soon after, they found a community exhausted but intact, emerging from nine months of occupation and grief.

History in Modern Storytelling

These events have not faded into silence. Instead, they continue to inspire writers and artists:

• In Colloquia, playwright David Zarko explores the clandestine friendship between German commander Alfred Lersen and Monsignor Francesco Pieri, Orvieto’s bishop. Meeting in the cathedral, they converse in Latin, share music, and ultimately influence the city’s salvation as an open city.

• In Upon This Rock, author David Eugene Perry threads Orvieto’s wartime shadows into a modern thriller. A visiting American couple uncovers Vatican secrets and conspiracies tied to the city’s WWII past, blending history, faith, and mystery into a compelling narrative.

A City That Remembers

Today, Orvieto is admired for its beauty and art, but beneath the cobblestones lies another story—one of resilience in the face of war. From the ruins of the Allerona bridge to the memorial of the Seven Martyrs, the echoes of 1943 are never far away. They remind us that history here is not just remembered; it is still alive, inspiring new generations of stories.