Sierra: Composers Corner Q & A

Welcome back to “Composers Corner.” This edition features award-winning composer Roberto Sierra, as we talk with him about being a Latino composer and how it informs his music, “the magic of hearing the first rehearsal of an orchestral piece,” as well as his observations about the American cultural landscape and his optimism about the future. […]

Sierra: Working with Pacho

“Working with Pacho Flores was really great!” And so, composer Roberto Sierra introduces us to the soloist of his new trumpet concerto Salseando (Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra). The three-movement, 18-minute work premieres on January 9, performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra led by Domingo Hindoyan. “I would say that Salseando is traditional in […]

Sierra: SONATA FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO

Concert: Sierra: SONATA FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO Start Date: 2019-07-05 Start Time: 00:00:00 End Date: 2019-07-06 End Time: 00:00:00 Location: Emily Kalisz, violin; Kyle P. Walker, piano Link: http://thedreamunfinished.org/events/https/wwweventbritecom/e/metlivearts-ethel-and-friends-tickets-60681292379 Concert Information: MetLiveArts (ETHEL and Friends Balcony Bar Series) Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, NY

Sierra: One of the Most Compelling

“[Roberto Sierra’s concerto] is surely one of the most compelling works I’ve done.” As we approach March 23, Thomas Wilkins shares some thoughts about Sierra’s Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra as he conducts soloist James Carter and the Boston Symphony in a featured performance. Originally commissioned by the Detroit Symphony, Sierra wrote the 23-minute concerto for […]

Sierra: 33 Sueños

On February 20, Roberto Sierra’s song cycle, 33 Sueños (33 Dreams) receives its American premiere presented by the New York Festival of Song (NYFOS). Programmed as part of NYFOS’ “Hyphenated-Americans” program, the 30-minute work is scored for baritone and piano and uses the texts settings of poet Juan Carlos Garvayo. (Garvayo also serves as pianist […]

Sierra: Do Something

“…Do something beautiful. Do something gorgeous. Do something that comes from your heart…” — Roberto Sierra Award-winning composer Roberto Sierra sat down with new music advocate Frank Oteri for a featured profile in NewMusicBox  — the trailblazing online magazine for con-temporary American music. Oteri (who also serves as  NewMusicBox co-editor) chatted with the composer about his long […]

Sierra: Octeto en Cuatro Tiempos

On November 13, the New Juilliard Ensemble presents Roberto Sierra’s Octeto en Cuatro Tiempos (Octet in Four Tempos), led by music director Joel Sachs. Sierra’s 12-minute work was commissioned by the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in celebration of the ensemble’s 40th anniversary in 2014. It is scored for clarinet, bassoon, horn, and string quintet. St. […]

Sierra: Authentic and Compelling

“Roberto Sierra’s musical voice [is] authentic and compelling.” Violinist Emilie Anne Gendron of the Momenta Quartet shares some thoughts about the composer’s String Quartet No. 2 as the group prepares the work for its October 17 concert at the Americas Society (New York City). Programmed as part of the ensemble’s “Momenta Festival IV,” Sierra’s 14-minute […]

Sierra: Always Fascinating

“Antonio Soler’s ‘Fandango’ for keyboard has always fascinated me.” Composer Roberto Sierra shares his creative insight into his popular work Fandangos, as the Wichita Symphony prepares to present it on February 17 and 18. Music director Daniel Hege conducts the work on the orchestra’s “Classics” series. The 12-minute piece was commissioned by the National Symphony […]

Sierra: Victoria Prize-Winner

Roberto Sierra rang in the New Year by being honored with the Tomás Luis de Victoria Prize — the highest award given in Spain to a composer of Spanish or Latin American descent. Established in 1996 and awarded by the Society of Spanish Composers Foundation, the Victoria Prize recognizes a living composer “for his contribution to […]