“My music, even the most serious pieces, all suggest, in some way, dance.” – Carlos Suriñach, February 1987

” Finally, a homage to Carlos Surinach.” –Alicia de Larrocha

Carlos Suriñach and the Creation of Modern Dance in New York will explore the composer’s unique contribution to the world of dance from the 1950s through the 1980s. A roundtable discussion exploring the many aspects of Suriñach’s musical personality will be followed by a recital featuring the concert version ofEmbattled Garden, in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of its premiere. Born in Barcelona, Spain on March 4, 1915, Carlos Suriñach came to the U.S. in 1951, making his home for many years in New York City. Well-known in Europe as a conductor, pianist and composer of opera, he is best remembered for his compositions for dance written after his immigration to the United States. Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Doris Humphrey, Robert Joffrey, John Butler, Pearl Lang, Francisco Moncion and Antonio are among the choreographers who commissioned Suriñach. Countless others, including Paul Taylor, Norman Morrice, Garth Fagan, and Doug Varone have created dances to Suriñach’s music. As Suriñach himself once said, “Dance is in my blood.” His death in 1997 came as a shock to all who knew him.

Panel Discussion

Ninotchka Devorah Bennahum, dance historian and author, Antonia Mercé “La Argentina”: Flamenco and the Spanish Avant Garde Stuart Hodes, veteran Martha Graham dancer and teacher, choreographer and writer Carmen de Lavallade, dancer, choreographer, actor Antoni Pizà, Foundation for Iberian Music, The City University of New York Aaron Sherber, Music Director and Conductor, The Martha Graham Company  Candice Agree of 96.3FM WQXR, the classical station of The New York Times, will moderate the panel.

Panel discussion to be followed by Concert

PROGRAM
—Trois Chansons et Danses Espagnoles:  No. 3 Adagio–Allegro tranquillo for piano
—Flamenco Cyclothymia for violin & piano
Adam Kent, piano & Airi Yoshioka, violin

—Ritmo Jondo
—Embattled Garden (conducted by Paul Hostetter)
Perspectives Ensemble
Sato Moughalian, musical director

Panel Discussion
Concert

WQXR Promo 1
WQXR Promo 2