Welcome
Posted: Dec 30, 2011
I am delighted to welcome visitors to my new website! The new site was developed under the direction of my new management company, the A440 Arts Group, in collaboration with web designer Kenneth Musante at 9dsgn.com. A440 now manages distribution of my composition catalogue and public relations efforts. I hope you’ll enjoy exploring the new site and discovering some of my music.
Several exciting things are coming up in the new year. I’m awaiting final details on the world premiere performances and release date of my new cantata, Oda a Jovellanos in Oviedo, Spain (see next news item). I also recently finished writing a commissioned piece, Funk for violin and guitar, for the magnificent Duo Sonidos, who will premiere it sometime in 2012. I am also looking forward to the long overdue world premiere performances of my Stabat Mater (2001), by the Vesper Chorale and Chamber Orchestra with soloist Lisa Bloom, conducted by Wishart Bell, in March, 2012. Visit my calendar page for more information on upcoming performances.
Best wishes and happy new year!
Jorge Muñiz
World Premiere and New CD/DVD of Oda a Jovellanos Coming Soon
Posted: Dec 29, 2011
The A440 Arts Group announces the upcoming world premiere and release of a CD and companion behind-the-scenes DVD of Jorge Muñiz’s Oda a Jovellanos, a new cantata for tenor, mixed choir, and orchestra. The cantata was commissioned by tenor Joaquín Pixán to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of Asturian politician and writer Baltasar Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. The world premiere will be performed by Pixán with the Asturias Symphony Orchestra and Prince of Asturias Choir, conducted by Oliver Díaz in early 2012. More information about the premiere and recording release will be announced soon.
Oda a Jovellanos is based on the poem of the same title by Antonio Gamoneda. The 30-minute cantata is divided into three movements, exploring the life of the remarkable politician, writer and enlightened man from Asturias, Spain, at the turn of the 19th century. While the poetic text has a biographical character, Muñiz wrote the music to provide a dramatic arc through its three movements: Jovellanos, the nonconformist, the man who struggles against the tide, and the man who never loses his love for his beloved homeland, Asturias. The tenor narrates aspects of his life, his strength, and his character, while the chorus reflects on Jovellanos’ important role in Spanish history. Oda a Jovellanos is scored for tenor, mixed chorus, and full orchestra.