Two years ago, Sergio Parra, then aged 22, received a scholarship from the Jalisco government to compose a piece for a chamber orchestra, based on traditional Huichol ceremonies for Semana Santa.
“I formed an orchestra for the performance by inviting different musicians to participate. It premiered last April in Guadalajara. I’m happy to say, it received a great response, and the conductor, Guillermo Salvador of the Zapopan Orchestra, was equally enthusiastic.”
One week ago, Parra learned he will again be the recipient of a scholarship from the state government. This time, he will compose a clarinet concerto for a string orchestra.
“I have one year to write it. Every month, for a year, the government will send me money. After the year is up, I plan on presenting my score to different orchestras all over Mexico.”
What makes Parra’s score unique is that it will be based on the artwork of the late Gerardo Murillo (aka Dr. Atl), an acclaimed landscape painter from Jalisco in the 1950s and 1960s.
“My score will be based on Dr. Atl’s paintings of lava and volcanos. I am quite familiar with his art and feel that his work is underrated.”
Parra’s performance on Thursday, July 27, for Viva la Musica’s second Summer in the Village concert, will include Schubert’s Piano Sonata No. 21.
“This was Schubert’s last sonata,” Parra says. “He composed it just before he died. Although the piece is almost 40 minutes long, it never allows you to get bored because you’re feeling very different emotions throughout the piece as he weaves a tale of dying, restlessness and hope.”
During the second half, Parra will perform three works: Robert Schumann’s Abegg Variations, Alban Berg’s Sonata in One Movement, and Frank Liszt’s Benediction.
Parra is currently in his last year of undergraduate studies at the University of Guadalajara. “One of my goals is to compose music for film, theater and ballet,” he says. “I want to complete my Master’s program in film score writing in either the United States or Canada.”
Romancing the Ivories will be performed Sunday, July 27, 4 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Riberas del Pilar. Tickets (300 pesos) are available at Diane Pearl, Mia’s Boutique and the Lake Chapala Society.