New Commissions
Posted: Sep 14, 2012
The University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Kenosha, WI, will feature an exhibit of selected panels from The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, from October 22-November 4, 2012. Jorge Muñiz has been commissioned to write a vocal composition for The AIDS Quilt Songbook performance on November 4, 2012 in Bedford Hall featuring faculty and opera students. Jorge will set the poem “AIDS” by May Sarton for solo voice and piano for this memorial performance.
The Jornadas de Piano Luis G. Iberni International Piano Festival in Oviedo, Spain has commissioned Jorge Muñiz to write his second Piano Quintet to be premiered by Cuarteto Quiroga (pianist TBA). The world premiere is planned for fall 2013.
Interview on Spanish Public Radio on ‘Oda a Jovellanos’
Posted: Jun 07, 2012
On June 4, 2012, Jorge Muñiz and tenor Joaquín Pixán participated in an interview on National Public Radio of Spain to discuss the newly released CD and DVD of Oda a Jovellanos, including several excerpts from the performance. To listen to the interview [in Spanish], visit the News page.
US Premiere of “Behold the Lamb of God”
Posted: Feb 28, 2012
A440 Arts Group announces the US premiere of Behold the Lamb of God (2009) for solo cello by Spanish-American composer Jorge Muñiz, on Sunday, March 25, 2012, 2 pm, at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest (5th Avenue and 90th Street) in New York City. The work will be performed by cellist Kate Dillingham on a solo recital that includes music by J.S. Bach, Gabriel Fauré, Jean Huré and two additional new works by Hannah Lash and Laura Kaminsky. Admission is free with voluntary donations accepted at the door.
Ms. Dillingham will also include Behold the Lamb of God in her recital program at the first annual Queens New Music Festival in Long Island City, New York, on Saturday, May 12, 2012, 8 pm. Details about the festival will be announced soon.
World Premiere of Stabat Mater
A440 Arts Group announces the world premiere of Stabat Mater (2001) for contralto, mixed chorus, and orchestra, by Spanish-American composer Jorge Muñiz, on Sunday, March 25, 2012, 3:00 pm, at Saint Matthew Cathedral (1701 Miami Street) in South Bend, Indiana. The composer will also give a free pre-concert lecture at 2:30 pm. The concert will be presented by Musical Arts Indiana, and will be performed by Vesper Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Artistic Director Wishart Bell, featuring mezzo-soprano Lisa Bloom. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $35 for preferred seating (advance sales only), with discounted tickets at $20 for senior citizens and $12 for students. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online or at the door.
Jorge Muñiz to appear as Guest Composer at summer piano workshop
Posted: Feb 19, 2012
Jorge Muñiz has been invited as Guest Composer at the 2012 Goshen College Piano Workshop and Academy, in Goshen, Indiana, from June 18-21, 2012. The event includes the world premiere of a commissioned work for two pianos by Dr. Muñiz, entitled Three American Nocturnes.
The Goshen College Piano Workshop and Academy comprises lectures, master classes and recital performances presented by distinguished clinicians, composers and performers. Teachers participating in the Workshop hear inspiring lectures relevant to piano pedagogy, performance and literature. Students enrolled in the Academy participate in small group lessons with our artist faculty, practice time and other sessions concerning a variety of topics geared toward the development of student pianists.
Teachers and students meet together for student recitals, master classes and evening concerts. This intensive four-day musical extravaganza concludes with a concert devoted to newly learned piano duets and two piano pieces presented by the Academy pianists, as well as a premier of a new work commissioned for this event by a guest composer.
New video: The Making of ‘Oda a Jovellanos’
Posted: Jan 30, 2012
The video from the new CD/DVD featuring ‘the making of’ Jorge Muñiz’s new cantata Oda a Jovellanos (in Spanish only), is now available on the website!
See the new video HERE.
The CD/DVD and book of Oda a Jovellanos featuring tenor Joaquín Pixán, the Asturias Symphony Orchestra, Prince of Asturias Choir, conducted by Olivier Díaz will initially be released only in Spain. Mr. Pixán will give a live performance featuring several pieces from the cantata accompanied by piano during a press conference on Friday, February 10, 2012, 7:30 pm at the Ateneo Jovellanos in Gijón.
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.