Juan Pablo Contreras is a composer who unapologetically celebrates the sounds of Mexico in his music, and with the help of New Music USA, he'll be doing even more of it, with a commission from the Las Vegas Philharmonic. He talks with Garrett about writing with a Mexican sound, and how orchestras can do more to engage America's Spanish-speaking communities. Scott unpacks some of his latest feelings about growing older, and Garrett draws on a quote by Nicki Minaj to remind people to respect the work (and time) of Black creators.

Playlist:

It It - "Jath"

John Williams - The Imperial March

DaBaby - "Rock Star" (arr. Ezinma)

Valerie Coleman - 7 O'clock Shout

Florence Price - Child Asleep, Down a Southern Lane

Kyle Gann - Going to Bed (Homage to Philip Glass)

William Grant Still - Summerland

Jose Pablo Moncayo - Huapango

Arturo Marquez - Danzon No. 2

Juan Pablo Contreras - Mariachitlan, Silencio en Juarez

More:

Demarre McGill: https://www.demarremcgill.com

Jeri Lynn Johnson/Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra: https://www.blackpearlco.org

Katie Brown: http://www.rochesterwomanonline.com/index.php/2019/02/27/queen-of-arts-katie-brown/

Boulanger Initiative: https://www.boulangerinitiative.org

Youth Orchestra Los Angeles: https://www.laphil.com/learn/yola/youth-orchestra-los-angeles

Lara Downes: http://www.laradownes.com

New Music USA: https://www.newmusicusa.org

Juan Pablo Contreras: https://www.juanpablocontreras.com

"Commentary: In the Time of COVID-19, a Plea for Classical Music": https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/classical-music/story/2020-07-26/commentary-in-defense-of-classical-music

Robert Komaniecki tweet: https://twitter.com/Komaniecki_R/status/1287417010968834050?s=20