Underwood New Music Readings - Composer Spotlight: inti figgis-vizueta

inti figgis-vizueta is a queer Andinx experimental composer based in Brooklyn, NY. They write identity-focused musics, often channeling story-telling and the manifestation of non-hegemonic voices in concert spaces. inti works to create transparent, self-contained musical processes through which melodic and timbreal interaction blooms and consumes itself. inti studied with Felipe Lara. inti has received numerous awards, most recently the 2019 Hildegard Competition from National Sawdust and the 2019 Mizzou International Composer’s Festival featuring Alarm Will Sound. They’ve won calls for scores for organizations such as Verdant Vibes, N/A Ensemble, UnTwelve, Baltimore Choral Arts, and 113 Collective. Their music has also been played by ensembles such as loadbang, PUBLIQuartet, Hypercube, RTE Contempo String Quartet, and Balance Campaign as well as the Shenandoah Valley Youth Orchestra and SJSU Wind Ensemble.

inti’s piece Symphony for the Body was selected for the 2019 Underwood New Music Readings where it will be workshopped and read by American Composers Orchestra and conductor Ludovic Morlot. inti spoke to us about the readings and his piece.

Rehearsals, workshops, and final readings are open to the public on May 23 and 24 at NYU's Frederick Loewe Theatre (35 W 4th St). RSVP here

Composer inti figgis-vizueta. Photo by Ella Joklik

American Composers Orchestra: What was your reaction to finding out your piece had been selected for the Underwood New Music Readings?

inti figgis-vizueta: I was incredibly excited, obviously; having an orchestra put its weight behind my music, even for a few hours, is something incredibly thrilling. I am also happy to join the long lineage of music whose early stages were nurtured and incepted by this supportive, forward-thinking organization.

ACO: What are you doing to prepare for the readings? Are there any changes you have made to your piece?

IFV: My main goal is making sure my notation is as clear as possible, so that most of our rehearsal is spent on music-making rather than the initial dance that notation as specific as mine sometimes requires. Through previous readings with both conservatory and youth orchestras I was able to integrate best practices I had the privilege to observe.

ACO: What are you looking forward to about the workshops and readings? What do you hope to learn from the experience?

IFV: I'm excited to hear the music of my fellow participants and have mentorship from Tania Leon, a longtime inspiration and hero. I value community-building above all in my musical practice and the Underwood Readings are another branch in which to grow.

Hear inti's piece at the 2019 Underwood New Music Readings. Rehearsals, workshops, and final readings are open to the public on May 23 and 24 at NYU's Frederick Loewe Theatre (35 W 4th St). RSVP here

Learn more about inti at www.inticomposes.com
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