Commissioned by Red Cedar Chamber Music (Iowa) for their Cultural Passport program.

Notes

This suite for violin-cello duet is composed of four short movements, each arranging or inspired by the music of the birth states in Mexico of each of my grandparents. The movements are:

• I—El Cascabel (Veracruz)

• II—Tzitziki Urapiti (Michoacán)

• III—Monterrey (Nuevo León; original tune)

• IV—Guadalajara (Jalisco)

Each of my four grandparents was born in a different state in Mexico (of the country’s 32* states). While there are many popular conceptions of Mexican music outside the country, I wanted to use this arrangement to highlight that there are actually many different styles of music in different regions. All but the 3rd movement are based on traditional tunes from the respective state, with “Monterrey” an original tune based on the chotis found in Nuevo León, based on conversations with my grandfather.

Contact me if you would like to schedule a public performance; while Red Cedar Chamber Music currently has performance and recording exclusivity through August 2027, they are open to waivers if an appropriate opportunity arises! I also have a set of educational slides available upon request for any groups looking to present the piece in community/educational settings.

*Technically 31 states plus Mexico City, but Mexico City for all purposes functions as a state and has more people than all but one state, so let’s say 32 states for simplicity’s sake.

Performances and Recordings

• Feb 15, 2025: Springville Library, Springville, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music (Miera Kim, violin and Carey Bostian, cello)

• Feb 21, 2025: First United Church of Christ, Tipton, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Feb 26, 2025: Central City Public Library, Central City, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Feb 28, 2025: United Church of Monticello, Monticello, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Mar 8, 2025: Marion Public Library, Marion, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Mar 8, 2025: Marengo Public Library, Marengo, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Mar 12, 2025: Cottage Grove Place, Cedar Rapids, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Mar 12, 2025: Sts. Peter & Paul Chapel, Solon, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Mar 13, 2025: Oaknoll Retirement Residence, Iowa City, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Mar 14, 2025: Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music

• Mar 15, 2025: The James Theater, Iowa City, IA—Red Cedar Chamber Music