Beethoven. Mozart. Bach. These are often the first names that come to mind when talking about composers, especially of orchestral music.Ā But what about women? Latina composers? In an effort to highlight and celebrate the diversity present in the composition of music, we are taking a look at seven Latina composers and interpreters of music (past and present) who should be on your radar.
Gabriela Ortiz
The music of award-winning composer Gabriela Ortiz is rooted in contemporary Mexican life and traditional song. On Oct 27, Gustavo Dudamel conducts the world premiere of her latest work, Yanga, commissioned by the LA Phil. https://t.co/IddcmEFqW7 pic.twitter.com/GgnBYhBxmJ
— LA Phil (@LAPhil) October 15, 2019
Gabriela Ortiz is considered the leading woman composer of orchestral music in Mexico today, and one of the major classical composers in the world. The music educator has received major commissions from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Kronos Quartet, and will be composing a new symphony, themed on El Camino Real, that will premier in the Bay Area in 2019.
Marisa Canales
Luis de Tavira y Marisa Canales ofrecerƔn cursos en el @IVEC_Oficial https://t.co/UEYiVuhhO2 pic.twitter.com/1e8BpusqXH
— Matices PolĆticos (@MaticesPolitico) November 6, 2017
Margarita Luna de Espaillat
En 1921 nace en la ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros, Margarita Luna de Espaillat, primera dominicana graduada en Composición Musical pic.twitter.com/qrUat76MnW
— La 91 FM (@La913FM) July 31, 2017
Dominican Republic-born Margarita Luna de Espaillat was a composer, organist, and pianist. In addition to teaching music, she served as the Dominican Republic’s Director of the National Conservancy of Music.
Calcida Borges Barbosa
Brazilian composer Calcida Borges Barbosa was also a pianist, conductor, and music educator. She is considered one of the pioneers of electronic music in Brazil.
MarĆaĀ Grever
MarĆa Grever (1885-1951) was the first female Mexican composer to achieve international recognition and success. pic.twitter.com/w0aZrpIohO
— C (@sollerrs) February 28, 2020
Maria Grever (born Maria Joaquina de la Portilla Torres) was a successful Mexican composer who penned hundreds of songs, including the classic “What a Diff’rence A Day Makes” (“Cuando vuelva a tu lado”), which won a Grammy in 1959. She also wrote music for Paramount Studios and 20th Century Fox.
Violeta Parra
"Lo que puede el sentimiento no lo ha podido el saber, ni el mƔs claro proceder, ni el mƔs ancho pensamiento".
Violeta Parra pic.twitter.com/wlluWb1ZeI
— HĆ©ctor Kerkyra (@Hekyra) September 26, 2020
Chilena Violeta ParraĀ (Violeta del Carmen Parra Sandoval) was a folk icon, composer, activist, singer, guitarist and visual artist. She was part of the Nueva Cancion Chilena (New Chilean Song) Movement, and created the classic “Gracias a la vida” (“Thanks to Life”).
Teresa CarreƱo
Teresa CarreƱo during her 1907-08 American Tour will exploit the merits of the Everett Piano.
š° The John Church Co. magazine ad, 1907 pic.twitter.com/z0poKzy8tB
— GFV (@GFdeVenezuela) September 25, 2020
MarĆa Teresa CarreƱo GarcĆa de Sena was a Venezuelan composer, pianist, singer, and conductor. She was nicknamed the “Valkyrie of the Piano.”