7th Latin American Music Festival at TCU
GERMÁN GUTIÉRREZ - Festival Director/Conductor
Dr. Germán Augusto Gutiérrezhas served as Director of Orchestras and Associate Professor of Orchestral Studies at Fort Worth’s Texas Christian University (TCU) as well as Director of TCU’s Latin American Music Center and biennial Latin American Music Festival since 1996. Since 2000, Maestro Gutiérrez has also served as Music Director of the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth. Under his baton, the TCU Symphony and the YOGFW have achieved exceptional levels of recognition in Fort Worth and abroad. Both groups have traveled on numerous international tours, obtaining enthusiastic reviews. With the TCU Symphony, Maestro Gutiérrez has also conducted the world premieres of more than twelve contemporary works.
Maestro Gutiérrez is also a frequent guest conductor of professional orchestras in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania. He holds Músico Bachiller and Maestro en Música degrees from the Tolima Conservatory in Colombia. He also received a master’s degree from Illinois State University and a doctoral degree from the University of Northern Colorado. For his involvement and dedication to TCU, Maestro Gutiérrez received the Dean's Teaching Award, the Dean's Award for Research and Creative Activity, and the 2003 Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Research and Creative Activity, the highest award that the university bestows.
Maestro Gutiérrez is also a frequent guest conductor of professional orchestras in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania. He holds Músico Bachiller and Maestro en Música degrees from the Tolima Conservatory in Colombia. He also received a master’s degree from Illinois State University and a doctoral degree from the University of Northern Colorado. For his involvement and dedication to TCU, Maestro Gutiérrez received the Dean's Teaching Award, the Dean's Award for Research and Creative Activity, and the 2003 Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Research and Creative Activity, the highest award that the university bestows.
MIGUEL HARTH-BEDOYA - Conductor
Founder of the Caminos del Inka project, Peruvian-bornMiguel Harth-Bedoya is one of this country’s most exciting and sought-after conductors. Mr. Harth-Bedoya won an EMMY for his LATIN SPECTACULAR with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and has created and performed many programs throughout the world that feature the best of the Latin American popular, traditional and classical repertoire. He is currently in his seventh season as Music Director of the Fort Worth Symphony, and is also an active guest conductor, appearing with symphonies all over the United States, Europe, and South America. In the 2007-08 season Mr. Harth-Bedoya premiered the Caminos del Inka project in Lima, Peru, and will be leading Caminos del Inka programs with the Fort Worth Symphony and Baltimore Symphony.
JESSICA WARREN-ACOSTA - Flute
Jessica Warren-Acosta is an avid soloist and chamber musician who embodies what the South Florida Sun-Sentinel calls "superior flute playing". She gave her New York Recital debut in Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in January of 1998. She has concertized on three continents and appeared as a soloist at numerous international festivals including the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, the Academie du Nice Summer Festival Recital Series in Nice, France, Temporada Flautística in Lima, Perú, Festival en la Mitad del Mundo in Quito, Ecuador, and the National Flute Association Conventions in Chicago, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia where she performed in the Gala Concert with William Bennett. She has toured Latin America as an artistic ambassador to the United States Embassy soloing with orchestras and giving recitals to rave reviews. She has been named a winner in several international competitions including the Artists International Competition and the International Music Competition "Citta di Padova" and has also appeared on several radio broadcasts including Karl Haas' syndicated program "Adventures in Good Music".
Recent and upcoming engagements include appearances as a soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Ms. Warren-Acosta is an active member of the Caminos del Inka
Recent and upcoming engagements include appearances as a soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Ms. Warren-Acosta is an active member of the Caminos del Inka
MARIA LUISA HARTH-BEDOYA - Guitar
Peruvian guitarist Maria Luisa Harth-Bedoya started her guitar studies at 8 years old in Lima, Peru, to continue them later on in Buenos Aires under Irma Constanzo. She has been soloist with several Orchestras including the National Symphony of Peru, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Lima, Symphony Orchestra of
Mendoza, Lima’s University Orchestra, as well as in Festivals and concerts across Latin-America, The USA and Asia. Maria Luisa performs often with Cesar Angeleri, with whom she has a duo and has recorded a CD entitled “Two Guitars, One Style” with their own arrangements. Nowadays she lives in Buenos Aires and is devoted to the promotion of her new CD “Ayres de Lima” and to teaching.
Mendoza, Lima’s University Orchestra, as well as in Festivals and concerts across Latin-America, The USA and Asia. Maria Luisa performs often with Cesar Angeleri, with whom she has a duo and has recorded a CD entitled “Two Guitars, One Style” with their own arrangements. Nowadays she lives in Buenos Aires and is devoted to the promotion of her new CD “Ayres de Lima” and to teaching.
GLORIA LIN - Piano
Taiwanese-born Gloria Lin moved to the United States as a teenager and studied at The Juilliard School, the Interlochen Arts Academy, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, the Manhattan School of Music, and at Indiana University at Bloomington, where she earned a Doctor of Music degree. An active chamber musician, she has appeared in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Lin is also a dedicated pedagogue, and has been on the faculty at universities and music festivals across the United States. She is a founding member of the Lin/Castro-Balbi Duo with cellist Jesús Castro-Balbi.
The Lin/Castro-Balbi Duo is unanimously hailed for its sensitive, passionate and imaginative performances. Ardent advocates of music for cello and piano, the Duo’s programs embrace the traditional repertoire and reflect a passion for contemporary American and Latin American music. The ensemble’s recent release, Rapsodia Latina, including seven world premiere recordings of works by Latin American composers, is part of the Caminos del Inka project.
The Lin/Castro-Balbi Duo is unanimously hailed for its sensitive, passionate and imaginative performances. Ardent advocates of music for cello and piano, the Duo’s programs embrace the traditional repertoire and reflect a passion for contemporary American and Latin American music. The ensemble’s recent release, Rapsodia Latina, including seven world premiere recordings of works by Latin American composers, is part of the Caminos del Inka project.
JESUS CASTRO-BALBI - Cello
Cellist Jesús Castro-Balbi performs internationally as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. He has established a strong record of leadership in academia, the music profession and in service to the community, developing the TCU Cellofest, the TCU Cello Ensemble, the Faculty & Friends Chamber Music Series, the Germán Gutiérrez Award, and the Texas Cello Society. Of Peruvian descent, Dr. Castro-Balbi was born in Spain, raised in France, and is a graduate of the Conservatoire National Supérieur in Lyon, Indiana University at Bloomington, Yale, and the Juilliard School. He is a founding member of the Lin/Castro-Balbi duo with pianist Gloria Lin.
http://www.music.tcu.edu/faculty_j_castro-balbi.asp
http://www.music.tcu.edu/faculty_j_castro-balbi.asp
HAROLD MARTINA - Piano
TCU Professor of Piano
Institute of Fine Arts-Medellin, Columbia
Academy of Music-Vienna, Austria
Harold Martina was born in Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. He began to study music as a small child, first with the English teacher Newburn Patrick, and later with the Dutch pianist Teun Don. He furthered his training with the Italian pianist Anna Maria Pennella at the Fine Arts Institute of Medellin, Colombia, where he graduated Cum Laude. He completed his advanced studies in Europe with Professor Richard Hauser at the Vienna Academy of Music, and became the first student to graduate Summa Cum Laude by unanimous vote from the Academy. In conjunction with this distinction, he was awarded a prize by the Austrian Ministry of Culture....(more)
For full biography www.music.tcu.edu/faculty_h_martina.asp
Institute of Fine Arts-Medellin, Columbia
Academy of Music-Vienna, Austria
Harold Martina was born in Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. He began to study music as a small child, first with the English teacher Newburn Patrick, and later with the Dutch pianist Teun Don. He furthered his training with the Italian pianist Anna Maria Pennella at the Fine Arts Institute of Medellin, Colombia, where he graduated Cum Laude. He completed his advanced studies in Europe with Professor Richard Hauser at the Vienna Academy of Music, and became the first student to graduate Summa Cum Laude by unanimous vote from the Academy. In conjunction with this distinction, he was awarded a prize by the Austrian Ministry of Culture....(more)
For full biography www.music.tcu.edu/faculty_h_martina.asp
TAMBORIMBA ENSEMBLE - Percussion
This Percussion ensemble, First of its kind in Colombia, is based on a concept that originated in the percussion lessons at the Antonio Maria Valencia Conservatory in the city of Santiago de Cali.
The members who are all professional (classical trained) musicians, share a musical heritage in both traditional and popular Colombian music. By interpreting multiple percussion instruments, from Marimbas and Drums or different types to sonorous instruments, Tamborimba explores the magical world of percussion, developing novelty projects.
Their repertoire includes mostly traditional Colombian music either composed or arranged by the members of Tamborimba. However, Tamborimba performs music from the Classical music literature and contemporary music as well. Also, They have commissioned original works from famous contemporary Colombian composers as Francisco Zumaqué, Luis Carlos Figueroa, Rodolfo Ledesma, Héctor Manuel Gonzáles, Rubén Darío Gómez, Alberto Guzmán, Aureliano Díaz, Jaime Henao, and they shared pedagogies scenes with famous percussionists and composers as Jean Geofrroy of France, David Friedman of United States, Amadou Kienou of Africa, Mario Gomez Vignes of Chile, Marlos Nobre of Brazil, Jorge Sarmientos of Guatemala, Alfredo Rugeles of Venezuela, Alex Acuña of Perú, Takayoshi Yoshioka of Japan, Alfredo Naranjo of Venezuela, Efraín Toro of Perú, Ángel Frette of Argentina and Luisito Quintero of Venezuela.
Tamborimba has performed not only at the most important concert halls in Colombia, but also carried out successful tours in Argentina, Venezuela, Germany and Switzerland.
Tamborimba won the first prize in the 2005 Music Festival of the Pacific "Petronio Alvarez". Established in Cali under the name of Tamborimba Foundation, this group has also done excellent work in undocumented areas of research, teaching and music creation and organize the International Percussion Festival “Tamborimba” in Cali.
The members who are all professional (classical trained) musicians, share a musical heritage in both traditional and popular Colombian music. By interpreting multiple percussion instruments, from Marimbas and Drums or different types to sonorous instruments, Tamborimba explores the magical world of percussion, developing novelty projects.
Their repertoire includes mostly traditional Colombian music either composed or arranged by the members of Tamborimba. However, Tamborimba performs music from the Classical music literature and contemporary music as well. Also, They have commissioned original works from famous contemporary Colombian composers as Francisco Zumaqué, Luis Carlos Figueroa, Rodolfo Ledesma, Héctor Manuel Gonzáles, Rubén Darío Gómez, Alberto Guzmán, Aureliano Díaz, Jaime Henao, and they shared pedagogies scenes with famous percussionists and composers as Jean Geofrroy of France, David Friedman of United States, Amadou Kienou of Africa, Mario Gomez Vignes of Chile, Marlos Nobre of Brazil, Jorge Sarmientos of Guatemala, Alfredo Rugeles of Venezuela, Alex Acuña of Perú, Takayoshi Yoshioka of Japan, Alfredo Naranjo of Venezuela, Efraín Toro of Perú, Ángel Frette of Argentina and Luisito Quintero of Venezuela.
Tamborimba has performed not only at the most important concert halls in Colombia, but also carried out successful tours in Argentina, Venezuela, Germany and Switzerland.
Tamborimba won the first prize in the 2005 Music Festival of the Pacific "Petronio Alvarez". Established in Cali under the name of Tamborimba Foundation, this group has also done excellent work in undocumented areas of research, teaching and music creation and organize the International Percussion Festival “Tamborimba” in Cali.
Andres Franco
Andrés Franco is currently the Associate Conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Principal Conductor of the Caminos del Inka Ensemble and Music Director of the Philharmonia of Kansas City. Mr. Franco has been increasingly active in the U.S. and South America, appearing with several orchestras including the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra, Corpus Christi Symphony, Medellin Philharmonic and EAFIT Symphony.
Mr. Franco’s diverse performance experience includes conducting the premiere of “Escenas Convergentes”, a work written by Luis Franco involving symphony orchestra, soloists and folk musicians as well as dancers and multimedia; and “Invierno Porteño”, a co‐production of the Philharmonia of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet School, where he appeared as piano soloist and conductor performing music by Astor Piazzolla. Most recently, Andrés joined the artist roster of Caminos del Inka, a project created by Maestro Miguel Harth‐Bedoya to rediscover, preserve and disseminate the music legacy of South America and has been presented by the Symphony Orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago and Fort Worth, among others.
He has also conducted several choral‐orchestral masterworks with the Oregon Bach Festival Choir, Kansas City Symphony Chorus and Texas Boys Choir. His interest in education has led him to work with the TCU Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth. Andrés Franco studied conducting with Maestros Leonard Slatkin, Gerard Schwarz, Miguel Harth‐Bedoya, Helmut Rilling, Nicholas Uljanov and German Gutierrez.
Born into a family of musicians, Andrés Franco started his studies under the direction of his father, Jorge Franco. An accomplished pianist, he studied with Cliburn Gold Medalist Jose Feghali, Rudolph Buchbinder and Lev Naumov. He received his Master’s degrees in Piano Performance and Conducting from TCU.
Mr. Franco resides in Fort Worth with his wife FWSO principal clarinetist Victoria Luperi and their maltese, Beni.
Mr. Franco’s diverse performance experience includes conducting the premiere of “Escenas Convergentes”, a work written by Luis Franco involving symphony orchestra, soloists and folk musicians as well as dancers and multimedia; and “Invierno Porteño”, a co‐production of the Philharmonia of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet School, where he appeared as piano soloist and conductor performing music by Astor Piazzolla. Most recently, Andrés joined the artist roster of Caminos del Inka, a project created by Maestro Miguel Harth‐Bedoya to rediscover, preserve and disseminate the music legacy of South America and has been presented by the Symphony Orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago and Fort Worth, among others.
He has also conducted several choral‐orchestral masterworks with the Oregon Bach Festival Choir, Kansas City Symphony Chorus and Texas Boys Choir. His interest in education has led him to work with the TCU Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth. Andrés Franco studied conducting with Maestros Leonard Slatkin, Gerard Schwarz, Miguel Harth‐Bedoya, Helmut Rilling, Nicholas Uljanov and German Gutierrez.
Born into a family of musicians, Andrés Franco started his studies under the direction of his father, Jorge Franco. An accomplished pianist, he studied with Cliburn Gold Medalist Jose Feghali, Rudolph Buchbinder and Lev Naumov. He received his Master’s degrees in Piano Performance and Conducting from TCU.
Mr. Franco resides in Fort Worth with his wife FWSO principal clarinetist Victoria Luperi and their maltese, Beni.
ARTURO RODRÍGUEZ - Composer/Conductor
Winner of Mexico’s Mozart medal (1996), Arturo Rodríguez is an established composer of film and concert music, and a frequent guest conductor in orchestras around the world. He has been commissioned to write music for The Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration of Fort Worth, The Honorary Consulate of Malaysia in Monterrey, Mexico, CONARTE, The Southeastern Festival of Song, The San Francisco Song Festival, UNAC/Monterrey, Orquesta Sinfónica de la UANL, Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas, ProArte Chamber Orchestra, and Langley Wind Symphony, among others.
Rodríguez recently completed his first feature-length film score for the Mexican production “Cuando las Cosas Suceden.” This soundtrack, conducted by Rodríguez and performed by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, and his first album release, “From Earth to Mars: A Symphonic Journey,” performed by The New Millennium Philharmonic and recorded in Indianapolis, Indiana, are available on the internet.
His musical studies initiated in Monterrey, Mexico at UANL’s Music School and continued at the National Music Conservatory of Mexico, Texas Christian University’s School of Music and the School of Music at Butler University. He has been a selected participant for the ASCAP Film Scoring Workshop in Hollywood (2003), the ASPEN Film Scoring Workshop (2001) and the 11th NYU Composer’s Seminar (2003).
Rodríguez recently completed his first feature-length film score for the Mexican production “Cuando las Cosas Suceden.” This soundtrack, conducted by Rodríguez and performed by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, and his first album release, “From Earth to Mars: A Symphonic Journey,” performed by The New Millennium Philharmonic and recorded in Indianapolis, Indiana, are available on the internet.
His musical studies initiated in Monterrey, Mexico at UANL’s Music School and continued at the National Music Conservatory of Mexico, Texas Christian University’s School of Music and the School of Music at Butler University. He has been a selected participant for the ASCAP Film Scoring Workshop in Hollywood (2003), the ASPEN Film Scoring Workshop (2001) and the 11th NYU Composer’s Seminar (2003).
BOBBY FRANCIS - Wind Symphony Director
TCU Associate Professor of Music
Director of Bands
Director of Wind Symphony
www.music.tcu.edu/faculty_b_francis.asp
Director of Bands
Director of Wind Symphony
www.music.tcu.edu/faculty_b_francis.asp
BRIAN WEST - Percussion Chair
GERRY GABEL - Composition professor
Associate Professor of Music and Composition;
Division Chair, Technology and Composition
www.music.tcu.edu/faculty_g_gabel.asp
Division Chair, Technology and Composition
www.music.tcu.edu/faculty_g_gabel.asp
SILVIA NUÑEZ - Mezzosoprano
Peruvian mezzosoprano Silvia Nuñez received a Master’s degree in Voice Performance from Texas Christian University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Voice Performance degree from the San Agustin National University in her hometown of Arequipa, Peru. She also studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Lima. With a rich and luscious mezzo tone, Ms Nuñez has a soloist repertoire which includes different styles of baroque, oratorio, opera, lieder and modern music. She has given many performances in singing roles exposing her wide range, such as “Carmen” in La Tragedie de Carmen by Constant/Bizet, the “Waiting Woman” in The Goose Girl by T. Pasatieri, “Mother Teresa” in The Proposal by M. Granger, Stabat Mater by Hayden, Requiem by Mozart, Magnificat by Durante, Gloria by Vivaldi and Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven. She has also performed with Miguel Harth-Bedoya, as well as with Helmut Rilling and the Stuttgart Festival Ensemble for the 2006-2007
DAVID GUZMÁN - Tenor
Exquisite beauty of tone and impeccable musicianship describe tenor David Guzman. This season began with Hoffman in Les Contes de Hoffmann with Vertical Players Repertory in Brooklyn New York. He is a soloist at St Mary’s Church in Nutley NJ and sang Dubois Seven Words at an Easter concert. In May he performs Don Jose in Carmen with Natchez Opera Festival. In May he also sings a solo concert at Lincoln center Library. In August he performs a solo recital sponsored by the Colombian Consulate in New York.. In November he performs as soloist with the Latin-American Music Festival Orchestra in Fort Worth, TX..
Next season he will also return to Texas as Rodolfo in La Boheme and Hoffman In Tales of Hoffman with Opera in the Heights Opera Company in Houston.
Most recently, Mr. Guzman performed in a gala concert at the Bellaire Opera Festival, singing La Traviata, among others. Also in 2008 Season, he performed the role of Rodolfo in La Boheme with Jacksonville Lyric Opera in a tour to the Keys in Florida. In New York, David performed the role of Ferrando with Riverside Opera Company in Cosi fan tutte by Mozart, and in New Jersey the role of Tom with Garden State Opera Company in the world premier of The Angel in the Park by Francesco Santelli. In May 2007, Mr. Guzman was invited to perform with TCU Opera production as a guest artist the role of Don Jose in Le tragedie de Carmen a reduction of Bizet’s Carmen by Peter Brooke.
Mr. Guzman began his singing career in Colombia where he combined classical repertoire singing Opera, Oratorio and Zarzuela at Teatro Colon in Bogota with Colombian and Latin American Folk music along the country. He participated in several Colombian folk music festivals and operatic competitions winning numerous awards. David has been selected twice as a finalist in Bogota Opera al Parque Festival in 1999 and 2004. David performed Ferrando in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte and Beppe in Donizetti’s Rita with Texas Christian University Opera Production in 2005 and 2006. In 2005 David was invited to participate in Pergine Spettaacolo Apperto Opera Festival in Pergine Italy, where he sang Lindoro/Narciso in an interesting mix from L’Italiana in Algeri and Il Turco in Italy by Rossini under the guidance of famous Italian tenor William Matteuzzi. Mr. Guzman was the recipient of a MM in Voice performance from TCU where he studied with Richard Estes. In NYC he is a student of Kate Johnson.
Next season he will also return to Texas as Rodolfo in La Boheme and Hoffman In Tales of Hoffman with Opera in the Heights Opera Company in Houston.
Most recently, Mr. Guzman performed in a gala concert at the Bellaire Opera Festival, singing La Traviata, among others. Also in 2008 Season, he performed the role of Rodolfo in La Boheme with Jacksonville Lyric Opera in a tour to the Keys in Florida. In New York, David performed the role of Ferrando with Riverside Opera Company in Cosi fan tutte by Mozart, and in New Jersey the role of Tom with Garden State Opera Company in the world premier of The Angel in the Park by Francesco Santelli. In May 2007, Mr. Guzman was invited to perform with TCU Opera production as a guest artist the role of Don Jose in Le tragedie de Carmen a reduction of Bizet’s Carmen by Peter Brooke.
Mr. Guzman began his singing career in Colombia where he combined classical repertoire singing Opera, Oratorio and Zarzuela at Teatro Colon in Bogota with Colombian and Latin American Folk music along the country. He participated in several Colombian folk music festivals and operatic competitions winning numerous awards. David has been selected twice as a finalist in Bogota Opera al Parque Festival in 1999 and 2004. David performed Ferrando in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte and Beppe in Donizetti’s Rita with Texas Christian University Opera Production in 2005 and 2006. In 2005 David was invited to participate in Pergine Spettaacolo Apperto Opera Festival in Pergine Italy, where he sang Lindoro/Narciso in an interesting mix from L’Italiana in Algeri and Il Turco in Italy by Rossini under the guidance of famous Italian tenor William Matteuzzi. Mr. Guzman was the recipient of a MM in Voice performance from TCU where he studied with Richard Estes. In NYC he is a student of Kate Johnson.
DAVID BARRERA - Piano
Born on August 28th in1992 in Bogota, Colombia. He started his musical studies being 8 years old in the music conservatory of the National University of Colombia where he studied for the next 7 years. He has studied under the guidance of Professor Blanca Bernal, then with Professor Ignacio Pacheco and then with Professor Angela Rodriguez. Currently he is doing his advanced piano studies in the Artist Diploma program at TCU (Texas Christian University) in Fort Worth, Texas, under the direction of Professor Harold Martina.
When he was 10 he performed as a soloist with the National University of Colombia youth orchestra in theaters such as the Colombus Theater in Bogota and Leon de Greiff Auditorium. Winner in the Luis Angel Arango Library Monday of Young Performers Series, in the middle category in 2005 and in the advanced category in 2006. Because of this he was then invited to perform at the Amira de la Rosa Theater in Barranquilla in 2007. Also winner in the Alianza Colombo-Francesa Young Music Talents Series in 2006, where he was part of the 4th Discographic Production of that series. He got a honor mention twice in the UIS national piano competition in 2006 and 2007, where he was invited to perform in Los Fundadores Theater in Manizales in 2007. Recently he was involved in the 46th version of the Religious Music Festival in Popayan, declared Colombian cultural heritage by the Colombian Congress. He has taken Master Classes with Abraham Abreu, Janusz Olejniczak, Thomas Rosenkranz and Yoheved Kaplinsky.
He was selected between very talented participants to study at TCU where he was given full-scholarship in the Artist Diploma program which main focus is to foster a concert career between young and talented perfomers.
When he was 10 he performed as a soloist with the National University of Colombia youth orchestra in theaters such as the Colombus Theater in Bogota and Leon de Greiff Auditorium. Winner in the Luis Angel Arango Library Monday of Young Performers Series, in the middle category in 2005 and in the advanced category in 2006. Because of this he was then invited to perform at the Amira de la Rosa Theater in Barranquilla in 2007. Also winner in the Alianza Colombo-Francesa Young Music Talents Series in 2006, where he was part of the 4th Discographic Production of that series. He got a honor mention twice in the UIS national piano competition in 2006 and 2007, where he was invited to perform in Los Fundadores Theater in Manizales in 2007. Recently he was involved in the 46th version of the Religious Music Festival in Popayan, declared Colombian cultural heritage by the Colombian Congress. He has taken Master Classes with Abraham Abreu, Janusz Olejniczak, Thomas Rosenkranz and Yoheved Kaplinsky.
He was selected between very talented participants to study at TCU where he was given full-scholarship in the Artist Diploma program which main focus is to foster a concert career between young and talented perfomers.
FERNANDO LEÓN RENGIFO - Bandola
Known as “El Chino León” in the artistic world, León was born in Bogotá in 1952. He grew up in an environment where music had a definite influence on his life making him a great connoisseur of instruments, composers, and compositions.
He is recognized as one of the best bandolists of Colombia. He began playing bandola with his father and later with Maestro Efraín Orozco. In 1967 he entered the Department of Music of the Universidad Nacional to study Cello with Maestro David Aks, Luis Eduardo Molina and David Nasidze. He became a cellist for the Experimental Orchestra of Conservatory of Music under the direction of the Maestro Ernesto Díaz and for the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogotá as a student assistant. Later he studied composition and instrumentation with the Maestros Alex Tobar, Blas Emilio Atehortúa and Agustín Cullel in San José, Costa Rica. He has a Bachelors Degree in music from the University of Caldas.
He has acted as director of several musical groups such as Trío Joyel Colombiano (with this group he created a new form of interpretation and tactical development of the bandola as the instrument to recreate the concept of “traditional” music through techniques and musical languages originating from diverse resources), Nogal Orquesta de Cuerdas Colombianas, Ensemble Colombiano and Quarteto Colombiano. Additionally, he directed the Departmental Band of the Tolima and Wind Symphony of Boyacá. He was an arranger of the Estudiantina Bochica and he did transcriptions and orchestrations of compositions and symphonic works for the Orquesta Típica Colombiana. He was a bandola soloist in several occasions with The Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogotá, the Colombian National Symphony and the Symphony of Valle, interpreting the guitar concertos in D major, C major and G major of Antonio Vivaldi, transcribed for bandola, under the direction of outstanding directors such as Carlos Villa, Eduardo Berrío, Luis Biava, Irwing Hoffman and Dimitar Manolov.
In 2006 was invited to Indianapolis where he played a concert with the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra under the direction of the Maestro Stanley De Rusha. Currently León is professor in the Universidad de los Andes and the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional in Bogotá.
He is recognized as one of the best bandolists of Colombia. He began playing bandola with his father and later with Maestro Efraín Orozco. In 1967 he entered the Department of Music of the Universidad Nacional to study Cello with Maestro David Aks, Luis Eduardo Molina and David Nasidze. He became a cellist for the Experimental Orchestra of Conservatory of Music under the direction of the Maestro Ernesto Díaz and for the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogotá as a student assistant. Later he studied composition and instrumentation with the Maestros Alex Tobar, Blas Emilio Atehortúa and Agustín Cullel in San José, Costa Rica. He has a Bachelors Degree in music from the University of Caldas.
He has acted as director of several musical groups such as Trío Joyel Colombiano (with this group he created a new form of interpretation and tactical development of the bandola as the instrument to recreate the concept of “traditional” music through techniques and musical languages originating from diverse resources), Nogal Orquesta de Cuerdas Colombianas, Ensemble Colombiano and Quarteto Colombiano. Additionally, he directed the Departmental Band of the Tolima and Wind Symphony of Boyacá. He was an arranger of the Estudiantina Bochica and he did transcriptions and orchestrations of compositions and symphonic works for the Orquesta Típica Colombiana. He was a bandola soloist in several occasions with The Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogotá, the Colombian National Symphony and the Symphony of Valle, interpreting the guitar concertos in D major, C major and G major of Antonio Vivaldi, transcribed for bandola, under the direction of outstanding directors such as Carlos Villa, Eduardo Berrío, Luis Biava, Irwing Hoffman and Dimitar Manolov.
In 2006 was invited to Indianapolis where he played a concert with the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra under the direction of the Maestro Stanley De Rusha. Currently León is professor in the Universidad de los Andes and the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional in Bogotá.
FABIAN GALLON - Tiple
Fabian Gallon began his classes of tiple with maestro Benjamin Cardona in Pereira, Colombia. In 1982 He joined the Estudiantina of the Technological University of Pereira. He also joined the orchestra of Colombian strings Nogal in 1987 and the following year he formed the INSTRUMENTAL TRIO ANCESTRO with which he participated in diverse events of Colombian music additionally he presented numerous concerts in different concert halls all over the country. He has been a member of the QUARTET SMOG and COLOMBIAN QUARTET groups directed by the maestro Luis Fernando Leon.
As a solo tiple player He has presented concerts in important concert halls of the country like in the Luis Angel Arango in March of 1999.
He has accompanied the prestigious vocal duets Sombra y Luz and Hugo and Gilberto.
As a solo tiple player He has presented concerts in important concert halls of the country like in the Luis Angel Arango in March of 1999.
He has accompanied the prestigious vocal duets Sombra y Luz and Hugo and Gilberto.
JAIME ROMERO – Guitar
Guitar player, composer, educator and Chemical Engineer born in Ibague, Colombia in 1966. He began studying music at the Conservatory of Tolima, then he studied classical guitar with GENTIL MONTANA, and later he attended master classes with Eduardo Fernández, Enrique Madriguera and Manuel López Ramos. From an early age, he showed a strong fascination for the Guitar and years later he began developing an important repertoire for classical guitar, duets, Trios, Quartets, Quintets and obviously, for ANDEAN COLOMBIAN TRIOS.
His music merges formal musical structures such as counterpoint and Fugue with the rhythmical elements of his native Colombia. His compositions are played in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, France, Canada, United States and Spain, and the most outstanding musicians have been awarded first prize with his pieces in the most prestigious musical competitions in Colombia. As a composer and Guitar player, he has won the first place several years at the FESTIVAL MONO NÚÑEZ, the main musical competition in Colombia with more than 30 years of tradition.
JAIME ROMERO has offered recitals in the most renowned concert halls in Colombia. His compositions have been published by RICHARD STOVER and played by important guitar players like CARLOS BARBOSA LIMA, WILLIAM FEASLEY, ALTURAS DUO and STEPHEN BOSWELL among others. In Colombia, the Trios PALOSANTO, CROMATICO, ESPIRITU COLOMBIANO, PLECTRO TRIO and the CUATROPALOS quartet among others have recorded his music.
His music merges formal musical structures such as counterpoint and Fugue with the rhythmical elements of his native Colombia. His compositions are played in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, France, Canada, United States and Spain, and the most outstanding musicians have been awarded first prize with his pieces in the most prestigious musical competitions in Colombia. As a composer and Guitar player, he has won the first place several years at the FESTIVAL MONO NÚÑEZ, the main musical competition in Colombia with more than 30 years of tradition.
JAIME ROMERO has offered recitals in the most renowned concert halls in Colombia. His compositions have been published by RICHARD STOVER and played by important guitar players like CARLOS BARBOSA LIMA, WILLIAM FEASLEY, ALTURAS DUO and STEPHEN BOSWELL among others. In Colombia, the Trios PALOSANTO, CROMATICO, ESPIRITU COLOMBIANO, PLECTRO TRIO and the CUATROPALOS quartet among others have recorded his music.
JORGE GARCIA MONCADA - Composer
Jorge Gregorio García Moncada (b. Bogotá, Colombia, 1975) is a composer and theorist who graduated from Universidad de Los Andes in 2000, under the direction of composer Luis Pulido. He obtained his master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition at TCU’s School of Music in 2003 under the direction of Dr. Gerald Gabel and Dr. Blaise Ferrandino. He has participated in various courses with composers such as Coriún Aharonián, Graciela Paraskevaídis, Brian Ferneyhough, and Rodrigo Sigal, among others. He has received numerous awards such as a Graduate Assistantship at Texas Christian University and he was a winner of the Jonathan Durington Student Composition Award at TCU in 2002 and 2003. He was the head of the Music Composition Area at the Arts Faculty, Music Formation Program at Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia, from 2003 until 2008, having an intense teaching load in the fields of music theory, composition and research. There, he participated in the XIII institutional investigation congress as a composer-lecturer (2005). He was the representative of the institution on theLaboratorios de Nueva Música (New music laboratories) formed by the most important institutions that develop contemporary music activity in Colombia. He was chosen as a juror for the Otto de Greiff National Award that recognizes the best thesis work nationwide on a musical subject, as well as the National Contest of Music Composition “Ciudad de Bogotá”, Colombia, 2007. Presently, he is Associate Professor in the Music Department of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia, teaching full time in the fields of music pedagogy, composition and research. His works, in which he uses various mediums of expression, from acoustic instruments to electroacoustics and live electronics, have been performed in different contemporary music festivals in North America, Latin America and Europe.
GUILLERMO BOCANEGRA - Guitarist & Composer
Guillermo Bocanegra is a Colombian guitarist and composer, born in Armenia, Quindio Department in 1977.
His special taste and work with the interpretation, musical experimentation, improvisation and contemporary Latin American music, has led to numerous samples of new music, and local first performances in countries like Colombia, Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay and USA
Since 2006 he has been actively associated in the programming of guitar festivals and contemporary music as Núcleo Música Nueva, Montevideo, 2006, XXI International Festival of Contemporary Music in Havana 2006, V and VI International Guitar Festival composer, Bogotá 2006 and 2008; III Ibero-American Guitar Seminar, Ibague 2007; VII Festival Internacional de la Imagen, Manizales 2008.
He is a member of duo uiachii. Guitar and electronics "by the composer and performer of electronic Ana Maria Romano. Similarly, is member Ensamble CG, renowned contemporary music ensemble.
He has recorded three CDs with new music for guitar: “ La otra guitarra” “La tradición se rompe, pero cuesta trabajo Vol 1.” "... círculo de tierra roja…”
In 2007 he participated as a performer on the albums "Electronic Colon 5 years 2002-2006" and disc collection of works awarded by the National Composition Competition "Ciudad de Bogotá."
Currently he is the director of the acoustic guitar department and full time professor at the Faculty of Arts at the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas.
His special taste and work with the interpretation, musical experimentation, improvisation and contemporary Latin American music, has led to numerous samples of new music, and local first performances in countries like Colombia, Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay and USA
Since 2006 he has been actively associated in the programming of guitar festivals and contemporary music as Núcleo Música Nueva, Montevideo, 2006, XXI International Festival of Contemporary Music in Havana 2006, V and VI International Guitar Festival composer, Bogotá 2006 and 2008; III Ibero-American Guitar Seminar, Ibague 2007; VII Festival Internacional de la Imagen, Manizales 2008.
He is a member of duo uiachii. Guitar and electronics "by the composer and performer of electronic Ana Maria Romano. Similarly, is member Ensamble CG, renowned contemporary music ensemble.
He has recorded three CDs with new music for guitar: “ La otra guitarra” “La tradición se rompe, pero cuesta trabajo Vol 1.” "... círculo de tierra roja…”
In 2007 he participated as a performer on the albums "Electronic Colon 5 years 2002-2006" and disc collection of works awarded by the National Composition Competition "Ciudad de Bogotá."
Currently he is the director of the acoustic guitar department and full time professor at the Faculty of Arts at the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas.
HECTOR GONZALEZ - Composer
Hector Gonzalez studied under Hernan Moncada at the Conservatorio Antono Maria Valencia in the city of Cali, Colombia. He later studied in the Conservatorio Oscar Espla in Alicante, Spain with Jose Tomas.
Gonzalez, is a composer, guitarist and researcher who has several publications and recording, among them we count “500 Years of Ibero American Guitar,” “the Laud’s Heart,” “Antique Music of the XX Century,” “The Book of the Vallenato,” “100 Years of Latin American Guitar,” and “Anthology of the Colombian Guitar”
Hector Gonzalez received the “Andres Segovia” international composition award in 2008, and honorary mention at the “Agustin Barrios” international composition competition in 2000. His creative work encompasses orchestral, choral and chamber genres. Gonzalez has been a professor at the Conservatorio de Cali and the Universidad del Cauca. He has served as the director of the international guitar contest “Concurso y Encuentro,” and is actually, the director of the School of Music of the Universidad del Valle in Colombia.
Gonzalez, is a composer, guitarist and researcher who has several publications and recording, among them we count “500 Years of Ibero American Guitar,” “the Laud’s Heart,” “Antique Music of the XX Century,” “The Book of the Vallenato,” “100 Years of Latin American Guitar,” and “Anthology of the Colombian Guitar”
Hector Gonzalez received the “Andres Segovia” international composition award in 2008, and honorary mention at the “Agustin Barrios” international composition competition in 2000. His creative work encompasses orchestral, choral and chamber genres. Gonzalez has been a professor at the Conservatorio de Cali and the Universidad del Cauca. He has served as the director of the international guitar contest “Concurso y Encuentro,” and is actually, the director of the School of Music of the Universidad del Valle in Colombia.
Caminos del Inka Ensemble
Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Artistic Director and Conductor
Andrés Franco, Principal Conductor
Jessica Warren-Acosta, Flute
Jennifer Corning Lucio, Oboe
Victoria Luperi, Clarinet
Kevin Hall, Bassoon
David Cooper, Horn
Adam Gordon, Trumpet
Ed Stephan, Percussion
Edgar Valenzuela, Percussion
Seth McConnell, Percussion
Michael Shih, Violin
Rebecca Stern, Violin
Susan Dubois, Viola
Catalina Calderón, Cello
Brian Perry, Bass