Gabriela Ortiz is among the most prominent composers in Mexico, and her varied and distinct work is a unique blend of high art, folk music and jazz. From October 26-30, the artist residency with the Michigan State University College of Music brings unique opportunities for the Greater Lansing community to experience her beautifully energetic music performed by top ensembles from MSU.

The main highlights include concerts with the MSU Wind Symphony and the MSU Symphony Orchestra. Funded by the Sam and Mary Austin Fund for New Music, the Ortiz residency also includes a performance with MSU small orchestral ensemble Musique 21 and a master class with MSU Music students that is open to the public.

Honored with the National Prize for Arts and Literature, known as the most important award for writers and artists given by the government of Mexico, Ortiz has traveled the world with her music. From studying in London to performances of her music in Scotland, Hungary, and throughout the United States, her work gains appreciation from artists everywhere. Los Angeles Philharmonic Conductor Gustavo Dudamel described her piece called Téenek as "one of the most brilliant I have ever directed.” He also chose Ortiz to curate the philharmonic’s Pan-American Music Initiative in 2022, which commissioned MSU’s Ricardo Lorenz who then composed Todo Terreno (which will be performed in one of the programs during the Otiz residency).

“The music of Gabriela Ortiz is very powerful, beautiful, and very suggestive. Her music is performed by the best orchestras around the world and she has become a reference and a beacon in the music world,” said conductor and MSU Director of Orchestra Programs Octavio Más-Arocas. “Our audience will be wowed by the sheer excitement of her music, and our students will have the invaluable opportunity to work side by side with one of the most respected composers of the moment. It is an honor and a privilege to host her on campus, and we are all very excited for the concerts and the work with her.”

Upcoming events featuring works composed by Gabriela Ortiz:

• 10/27 Friday, Wind Symphony and Symphony Band ( 8 p.m. Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center) Featuring Kauyumari by Gabriela Ortiz and MSU cellist Suren Bagratuni and members of the Wind Symphony and Symphony Band. Kevin L. Sedatole and David Thornton, conductors.
• 10/29 Sunday, Symphony Orchestra: The Power of Rhythm (3 p.m. Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center) Featuring Concierto Voltaje by Gabriela Ortiz with timpani solo by MSU percussionist Gwendolyn Dease and performances of other select works. Octavio Más-Arocas and Sally Yu, conductors. Generously sponsored by Dr. Charles Gliozzo in memory of Marjorie Gliozzo.
• 10/30 Monday, Musique 21: Lively Rhythms (7:30 p.m. Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium) Featuring Ortiz’s Atlas Puma and Corporea. Octavio Más-Arocas and Sally Yu, conductors. Generously sponsored by Pat & Mary McPharlin.
• 10/26 Thursday, Composer Presentation, “The Music and Life of Gabriela Ortiz” (8 p.m. 103 Music Practice Building) Open to the public, attendees can learn about her vision and perspective on life as a musician.

General admission seating for large and other ensemble performances are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (age 60 and older), and free for students and those under 18 with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased online (music.msu.edu), by calling (517) 353-5340, or at the door. More information on these and other events in the 2023-24 season is at music.msu.edu/events. Admission to student master classes and workshops is free.

---

Video Preview

YouTube: Gabriela Ortiz, "Kauyumari" for orchestra. Archival recording courtesy of New World Symphony.

---

Press materials

View or download the press release (PDF)
Contact Michael Sundermann, 517-353-2043, sunderm7@msu.edu 

Considered one of the best composers in Mexico today, Latin Grammy-nominated Gabriela Ortiz will be on campus to showcase her work through MSU College of Music ensemble performances.

With works commissioned and performed all over the world, Gabriela Ortiz has written music for dance, theater, and cinema, and has collaborated with poets, playwrights, and historians.