Performance: Francisco Cabán Vales, violin; Luis Miguel Rojas, cello; Diana Figueroa, piano
About Celebration for Piano Trio:
“The work for piano trio was conceived trough the first months of 2016. The piece was premiered on April 23, 2016 in the Arts Club of Washington DC, in honor to the celebration of the bicentennial anniversary of the institution. The pulsate energy that defines the piece, is driven by highly syncopated rhythms creating the Caribbean rhythmic aesthetic. It used the ‘Yubá,’ from the Puerto Rican Bomba and some details of the ‘Batá’ music from Cuba. They are simultaneously combined for the creation of the real Caribbean aesthethic. The contrasting section of Celebration alludes to the traditional dances in Puerto Rico in the 17 and 18 century, the danza puertorriqueña.”
About Johanny Navarro:
“Johanny Navarro has an impressive record of composing music for a diverse range of soloists, organizations, and ensembles. Her work has graced the portfolios of renowned musicians including Andrea González Caballero and esteemed institutions such as Multicultural Music Group, Inc. and Boston Opera Collaborative. Navarro’s compositions have also found a home with The Catholic University of America Symphony Orchestra, American Harp Society, Inc., The Victory Players, New World Symphony, and America’s Orchestral Academy. Her musical compositions have been showcased at prestigious events and festivals, including Festival Casals, the Massachusetts International Festival of Arts, and the Puccini Chamber Opera Festival. Johanny Navarro’s unique musical identity is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Afro-Caribbean aesthetics, particularly drawing inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of Puerto Rican musical culture.
One of her notable achievements is the opera titled ¿Y los Pasteles?, for which she received the esteemed Discovery Grant in 2020 from OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Female Composers. This compelling work premiered to critical acclaim in July 2022 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Navarro’s talent and creativity have also shone brightly on the operatic stage. She was a finalist in the prestigious ’96-Hour Opera Project’ hosted by the Atlanta Opera, with her opera Atlanta: 1906 (2022), featuring a libretto by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton.
Johanny Navarro is a resident artist at the American Lyric Theater in New York. Here, she premiered The Magic Cabbage (2022) in collaboration with librettist Joshua Banbury and is recently developing the comedic opera, Working for the Macbeths (2023) with a libretto by Marcus Yi. Currently serving as the Schwartz Artist-in-Residence commissioned by the Emory University Symphony Orchestra.”
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