Rosario Armas to perform the World Premiere of Julián De La Chica's New Work in New York
Cuban pianist and conductor Ahmed Alom will lead the WSMF Chamber Orchestra in a concert featuring works by Bach, Clara Schumann, Mahler, Debussy, and De La Chica.
On December 8 at 4 PM, at St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery (131 East 10th Street at Second Avenue, New York, NY), rising mezzo-soprano Rosario Armas will perform the world premiere of Julián De La Chica's Canciones de la Muerte, Op. 20. This commission, written for Armas, will debute with the WSMF Chamber Orchestra conducted by Ahmed Alom. The song cycle is also featured on Armas’s debut studio album, released on November 1, Día de Muertos, in a version for voice and piano, accompanied by Ahmed Alom.
In this cycle, Armas delves into the solemnity of death’s arrival, exploring the layers of human emotion that accompany the end of existence: fear, acceptance, and transcendental peace.
— Juan Lázaro (Spanish coach and assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera of New York)
Date: December 8 at 4 PM
Place: St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery
Address: 131 East 10th Street at Second Avenue, New York, NY
Admission: Free entrance
About Las Canciones de la Muerte, Op. 20
The work is based on verses by Fr. António da Ascenção and was composed after De La Chica's visit to Évora, in southern Portugal, during the summer of 2023. In a chapel known as the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), built with human remains, these verses were found inscribed on one of its pillars. Additionally, at the entrance, it reads: “Nos ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos,” which translates to “We bones that are here, await yours.” This inscription serves as a poignant reminder of mortality and the transient nature of life. Deeply moved by the story and the verses, De La Chica decided to transform them into songs.
In his compositions, De La Chica balances poignant lyricism with contemporary textures, creating a reflective and evocative sound world. Las Canciones de la Muerte invites listeners on a contemplative journey, honoring the cycles of life and the enduring presence of memory.
— IGM
