Hot off the press!
Jose Ignacio Diaz Gravier
Classical Concert Pianist
(Hialeah's son)
&
David Pereira,
Invited Guest Tenor
A Musical Journey
No todos los que andan estan perdidos...
A place you leave is a place that lives forever...
On a personal note, I am humbled to be a creative collaborator in this pastiche, metaphor, clever turn and final lament of this layered musical journey representative of so many. This thoughtfully wrought and Iberian-Island influenced product that opens on October 18th has been a smooth sultry sail especially when working with the finest artists such are Jose Ignacio and David Pereira.
In the production of this alternative concert, we dug deep into memories of family and migration to this country. We tapped into this singular theme of living with "Cubaneo." 'Melancolia de Una Ciudad Perdida' became a Shangri-La; a place that lives in the imaginations. The life left behind; no more.
Juxtaposed to this Lost City is the idea that a place you leave lives forever. This was the foundation that influenced the chords and scales that would shape mood and rhythm for 'Melancolia'. This was also the foundation of a migration that we personally lived and that of so many we know.
As the behind the curtains guy, I felt ardently that this was the best place for music to travel. Jose Ignacio and I fervently exchanged substantial ideas as to how to deliver a solidly rooted yet lyrical saga; 'Melancolia' was born from our collective experiences.
When I was five years old my grandmother Mercedes would walk me to school to Twin Lakes Elementary and say, "Hialeah esta creciendo! " I was always perplexed.
In my child's mind, I envisioned a stretch of land that was actually growing in size, like the ice age or a spontaneous growth much like the way your stomach looks after a five course meal. She was in fact, describing population and businesses. If she were alive today, she would not recognize this City of True Progress. She would be pleased to see the tribute in plangent tones and insouciant expressiveness to life and art that we have created.
On behalf of Jose Ignacio Diaz Gravier and myself, we thank The City of Hialeah, Mayor Carlos Hernandez, City Council Members and Staff, Sedanos, Leon Medical Centers and Coca Cola for entrusting us with a piece of this 2013 Hispanic Heritage Musical Project. A special thanks to Caragol for his constant smile and support. David Fernandez you rock the house; the City is fortunate to have you.
More about Jose Ignacio Diaz Gravier @ www.joseignaciodiazgravier.com
