Workshop (8): An introduction to Latin American Repertoire and Performance Practices

One of the fascinating aspects of Latin American music is its diversity both among and within countries or regions. It is able to reflect the various cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds, instruments and languages of the continent. Each country and region has its own musical identity and style, as well as influences from other sources. Choral music is one of the most prominent and important manifestations of Latin American music, and has been a vehicle for national identity and cultural exchange throughout history. It has also been a creative space for composers to experiment with different musical elements and techniques, such as harmony, rhythm, melody, texture, timbre and language.

Dr. Cristian Grases is a Venezuelan-born choral conductor, composer, and professor who currently teaches at the University of Southern California and conducts the USC Thornton Concert Choir. His expertise and specialty in Latin American choral music helps provide insight into the rich culture and diverse variety of songs and vocal techniques.

In this session, participants will be introduced to some of the most influential and innovative composers of choral music in Latin America, discussing the basic performance practices for this significant repertoire. Participants will also be able to explore the musical characteristics and cultural contexts of some of the most representative works of choral music in Latin America, as well as the challenges and opportunities for interpretation and performance.