Recordings
Over the past several years I've done some recording projects that I'm quite proud of:
INTI, released in July, 2009 is a Fort Worth Symphony LIVE recording, which I hope brings to light the depth, breadth, and dynamism of Peruvian orchestral music. For the first time ever, we have gathered more than three centuries of Peruvian music in one recording, from the 18th century music of cleric Baltasar Martínez and Compañón, to the works of my colleagues Gabriela Frank and Jimmy Lopez. This CD is especially exciting for me, because it is the result of many years of work and research toward bringing South American music to the community. The Fort Worth Symphony has been an incredible partner in performing this music, and the live recording highlights that amazing "magical" quality of a live performance in front of an audience. You can find this CD and music samples at www.filarmonika.com.
In April, 2007, I conducted the Chicago Symphony with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. "New Impossibilities," released in August 2007, is a live recording of those performances, which were also a part of the year-long "Silk Road Chicago" celebration. The CD includes a work by my friend Osvaldo Golijov. It was thrilling to perform (to sold-out audiences!) with the Chicago Symphony, the Silk Road Ensemble and Yo-Yo Ma, and I am proud to be a part of the cultural exchange and exploration that is the Silk Road Project. You can find this recording on itunes and on Amazon.com.
"Alma del Perú" features a great selection of Peruvian folk and traditional music. I recorded this in Peru in 1996-97 with the Orquesta Filarmonica de Lima when I was the Artistic Director. In September, 2006 it became available in the U.S., released by the label FILARMONIKA. These songs are an important part of the Peruvian musical tradition and are quite meaningful to me personally.
In 2006 the Fort Worth Symphony and I did two recordings: one is the first-ever bilingual recording of Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," narrated in Spanish and English by myself and stage and screen star Michael York. The CD also features Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals. We also recorded a live performance of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5. The Symphony and I have a special affinity for Tchaikovsky and I think this recording reflects our strong relationship with his music in concert. We are really proud of both CDs.
For music samples and information on how to obtain the Alma del Peru, Tchaikovsky, and Peter and the Wolf recordings, visit www.filarmonika.com
"Sentimiento Latino," featuring Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez and the Fort Worth Symphony, was released in March 2006 by Decca. This record was an exciting project to do, not only personally, because I love all songs in Spanish, but because this was a unique project to bring to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Working with Juan Diego, whom I have known for many years, was truly inspiring. His artistry is sublime and his command of the voice, unbelievable. Overall it was an amazing experience, with the result being a great recording! Sentimiento Latino is available at iclassics.com, amazon.com, Tower Records, Barnes and Noble. The original press release and photos are also here on my website, on the Press and Photos pages, respectively.