MSU composers write for LA Phil

Professor Ricardo Lorenz, chair of the MSU Composition Area

A Michigan State University composition professor and and one of his former students have been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic to write new works for their upcoming season led by renowned music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel.

Professor Ricardo Lorenz and College of Music alumnus Gonzalo Garrido-Lecca are writing pieces for the LA Phil 2021-2022 season as part of the Pan-American Music Initiative (PAMI). Lorenz’s work premieres May 12-13, 2022, and Garrido-Lecca’s work premieres May 26-29.

Lorenz is a Grammy-nominated professor of composition and chair of the College of Music Composition Area. Garrido-Lecca is one of his former students. Both composers will see their work premiered at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Pan-American Music Initiative was designed as a five-year undertaking devoted to celebrating the music created by Latin/o-American composers.

Gonzalo Garrido-Lecca received a DMA in Composition from MSU in 2018 and currently teaches theory and composition at Chicago’s New Music School.

“It’s a double honor to be part of a select group of highly regarded composers of Latino descent along with my former student, who has now become a sought-after colleague in the field,” Lorenz said. “I am very proud not only of this occasion but also of MSU’s composition program and how we are able to attract and mentor some of the greatest talents from the most diverse backgrounds.”

Peruvian-born composer Garrido-Lecca, received a DMA in Composition from MSU in 2018. He currently teaches theory and composition at Chicago’s New Music School and has a busy composing career.