Join Tanya every month as she takes a peek behind—and beyond—the scenes of the Valley of the Moon Music Festival.
Ep 3: Yavet Boyadjiev on José White
May 1, 2024
Cuban violinist and scholar, Yavet Boyadjiev joins Tanya Tomkins for an in-depth conversation about 19th-century Cuban composer and violinist, José White, whose music will be featured on VMMF’s opening concert of the 2024 season, “José White and his Circle”. Yavet tells the story of her personal connection to White, talks about his journey from Cuba to Europe and about his great success there. Learn about why we don’t hear more of White’s music today. Hear selections from White’s violin concerto and Études for violin, as well as music from Cuba, the United States and Europe that he admired.
Learn more about Yavet Boyadjiev
Check out the VMMF Podcast Episode 3 Playlist here!
Ep 2: Exploring the Cuban Pianist-Composer Tradition
April 3, 2024
Join Tanya Tomkins in conversation with the brilliant Cuban pianist and composer, Latin Grammy-nominated Adonis Gonzalez.
Adonis speaks about his musical journey, how he started the piano and why so many good musicians come from Cuba. Listen as Adonis performs some of his own compositions, improvisations and arrangements, as well as a range of composers including Rachmaninoff, Cervantes and his version of Lecuona’s popular La Comparsa. Adonis performs July 11, 13 and 14 on the Festival.
Learn more about Adonis Gonzalez
Ep 1: Who is Pedro Ximenez?
March 7, 2024
The first-ever episode of the VMMF Podcast features a conversation between VMMF Artistic Director Tanya Tomkins and Bolivian musicologist and violinist Karin Cuéllar Rendón. The two discuss Peruvian composer Pedro Ximenez Abrill Tirado (1784-1856), once known far and wide as the “Rossini of the Americas,” whose music will be presented on the Festival’s 10th Anniversary Season this summer.
Rendón, a Ximenez expert, explains why Ximenez was so famous in his day, and why he’s rarely performed now. She’ll also offer insight into how she has reawakened interest in this important composer. And a bonus: we get to hear about why Europeans visiting Latin America in the 19th century often tripped over their own feet while waltzing…
Learn more about Karin Cuéllar Rendón
Check out the VMMF Podcast Episode 1 Playlist here!