2022 Robb Commission1/16/2024![]() Patricia Alessandrini is a composer / sound artist, educator and researcher actively engaging with notions of canonicity, representation, interpretation, perception and memory, often in a social and political context, through work which is for the most part interactive and/or intermedial. She performs research on embodied interaction - including instrument design for inclusive performance - as well as on digitally-mediated performance and computer-assisted composition. Her works have been presented in numerous festivals, in the Americas, Asia, Australia, and over 15 European countries. She has also toured extensively as a performer of live electronics. She studied composition with electronics at the Conservatorio di Bologna and Ircam, holds a diploma in composition from the Conservatoire de Strasbourg, a PhD from Princeton University, and a second PhD from the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC). World Premiere of Alessandrini's "Hear" for vocal sextet and trombone ![]() Ekmeles premiered Alessandrini's new work "Hear" during the 2022 John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium at the beautiful Cathedral of St. John in downtown Albuquerque. Ekmeles is a New York-based vocal ensemble dedicated to the performance of new and rarely-heard works, and gems of the historical avant garde. With a special focus on microtonal works, they have been praised by the New York Times for their "extraordinary sense of pitch". Listen to the world premiere of Alessandrini's "Hear" performed by Ekmeles, featuring trombonist William Lang, recorded live at the Cathedral of St. John in Albuquerque, 7 April 2022 during the 50th Annual John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium (renamed the Robb Symposium Series in 2023).
by Melissa Rios ![]() Representation is one of the most powerful displays for marginalized communities. Gathering in numbers in celebration of culture is the acknowledgement that people need to feel represented. The celebration of Música del Corazón’s tenth anniversary as well as the substantial number in attendance are testaments to the importance of this event. Additionally, including local New Mexican singer songwriters as headliners made this event one of great significance in the preservation of New Mexican music. The pre-concert program consisted of a performance by a high school mariachi group and an interactive folklórico dance lesson. The concert began with an educational roundtable, which was essential in establishing the connection between the music being celebrated and the deeper meaning it carries for the community (see figure 1). Curator of the event and Distinguished UNM Professor Emeritus Dr. Enrique Lamadrid introduced the musical genre of son jarocho and addressed its reemergence as a popular musical style. The significance of the 1987 film, La Bamba in catapulting Los Lobos and their hybridized son jarocho musical style is a testament to the value of representation in media. UNM Musicology Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Adolfo Estrada introduced mariachi as a pedagogical tool within public schools and higher education institutions and highlighted the importance of representation within school programs. His statement of social empowerment of marginalized groups through mariachi ensembles cemented my feelings of purpose within my own program of study, also centered in mariachi culture. The remarks by Dr. Carmella Scorcia Pacheco (Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati) were a fitting introduction to the group Nueva Luna. Learning about Nina Otero-Warren and her contribution to New Mexican women’s right to vote along with an explanation and translation of “El corrido de la votación” piqued my interest since I was unaware that Nina Otero-Warren was recently featured on U.S. currency. Hearing Lara Manzanares sing “La finada Pablita Ángel” and “El corrido de la votación” was a treat since she is an incredibly talented singer songwriter, New Mexican music champion, and friend. The inclusion of this group of local musicians whom I have had the honor of sharing stages with and who delight at the most popular locations throughout Albuquerque and surrounding areas was a true demonstration of the concert organizers’ knowledge of current trends within the community (see figure 2). The significance of this cannot be overstated. Oftentimes the world of higher academia can feel distinct from the one lived by community members, especially those in poorer neighborhoods like Barelas. It is for this reason that making the concert free of charge was imperative. Laura Rebolloso and her son jarocho group provided a musically delightful and educational experience (see figure 3). It is always a wonder to witness people presenting themselves in the areas they are experts in. Feelings of joy and awe tangibly wafting in the air never fail to make me smile as the rest of the audience realizes they are experiencing and actively participating in a once in a lifetime occurrence (see figure 4). I was also elated that John Truitt was the recipient of the Robb award this year. Mr. Truitt is truly a gem of a human being, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him as an educator and mentor here in Albuquerque. In my conversations with him he has always been generous with his time and wisdom. When I was fortunate enough to play in a guitar ensemble that he composed and conducted the music for, the advice and many anecdotes that he shared are still some of my most treasured and most quoted memories. His touching speech was as inspiring as it was educational, which is precisely how I would describe him. It was also an unexpected gift getting to hear Mr. Truitt play as well as getting to see the impromptu flamenco dance that Eva Encinias and family performed as a tribute to him. To me, that was the highlight of the show (see figure 5). Concluding the concert with Mariachi Lobo from UNM was a fitting way to close the celebratory evening. The establishment of a mariachi group at the university level also cannot be overstated since it is immensely necessary for representation of the community in which UNM belongs to (see figure 6). The mentorship and engagement with said community is what I am looking forward to being a part of in the next semester when I join the ensemble. Música del Corazón 2023 was a celebration of transnational cultures, cementing that the musical genres included in the program do not simply exist in Mexico and Spain, but are intrinsically intertwined within the fabric of New Mexico. I am enormously grateful to have attended an event that showcased the musical traditions that have been a part of this community for centuries. About the author ![]() Melissa Rios is a singer, songwriter, and teacher originally from Las Cruces, NM. She has twenty years of performance experience in mariachi and various music genres, and recently released her third studio album of all original songs, Sunlight (2023). She is currently pursuing a master’s in musicology at the University of New Mexico. Visit Melissa at melissariosmusic.com. 2023 Projects9/12/2023The UNM John Donald Robb Musical Trust is actively involved in supporting the community by providing underwriting to organizations, ad hoc projects, educational outreach, programming, concerts, and events. Below is a list of the Trust's recent endeavors. ![]() Adobe Saxophone Quartet Part of the Robb Trust's mission is to promote the compositions of John Donald Robb. To that end, the Trust commissioned the Adobe Saxophone Quartet to perform a new arrangement of Robb's String Quartet No. 2, created by the Trust's graduate assistant Chris Orphal. The arrangement received its world premiere in March 2023 at the Robb Concert, the headliner event of the annual John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium. The Adobe Quartet subsequently recorded the Robb String Quartet No. 2 arrangement in May of 2023. The Trust underwrote the studio recording, which involved hiring an artistic director to oversee the recording session, a recording engineer, the musicians, and an audio/visual editor to mix and edit the audio and create an official music video. ![]() National Hispanic Cultural Center The Robb Trust underwrites annual community programming produced by the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Most recently was Día de Familia y Comunidad: Fiesta de Barelas March 22, 2023. Visitors had a chance to make paper architecture, maracas, and weavings, and learn from Barelas community organizations. Vicente Griego and Chuy Martinez who presented sing-along performances featuring music from the John Donald Robb Archives at the UNM Center of Southwest Research and Special Collections. The free community event was supported by Bank of Albuquerque and musical performances were sponsored by the Robb Trust. ![]() PBS Learning Project Folk Music of New Mexico: The John Donald Robb Collection is an educational initiative produced by New Mexico PBS and the University of New Mexico John Donald Robb Musical Trust with support from the University of New Mexico Libraries' Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, The Mr. and Mrs. Sanford N. McDonnell Foundation, The Brabson Library and Educational Foundation, and Albuquerque Public Schools. The collection contains video, audio, Spanish transcriptions, English translations, and sheet music for the traditional songs. Support materials include lesson plans (coming soon), student handouts, and video descriptions of the song forms. Supplemental reading material and a documentary film by NM PBS, The Musical Adventures of John Donald Robb in New Mexico, are also available. The Robb Trust provides underwriting and extensive, detailed content. Trust Board members Rosalia Pacheco and Nancy Harbert, and Honorary Board member Enrique Lamadrid, are working closely with NMPBS to bring this project to a completion. ![]() Universidad de Nuevo México Mariachi The Trust pays salary and benefits for two adjunct faculty teaching with the UNM Mariachi Program. Currently, those faculty are Monica E. Trujillo and José Carrillo. UNM Music Department Audiotape Digitization Archival Project ![]() Approximately 25 years ago the UNM Fine Arts Library discarded about 1,500 reel-to-reel audio tapes of events presented by the UNM Music Department. The library no longer had the technology to play these tapes. The tapes represent a historic treasure trove with recordings of faculty, student, and guest performances dating from the 1950s – 1990s. They were given to the Music Department which placed them in the basement of Hokona Hall where they sat deteriorating and unavailable for decades. In the summer of 2022, the tapes were “rescued” and subsequently cleaned, labeled, and catalogued. They now reside back in the Music Department. The next goal of the project is to get the tapes digitized so the recordings are once again playable on modern equipment. The UNM Robb Trust and its Archives/Underwriting Committee initiated support for the process. Robb Symposium Series5/1/20232023 Events
Fri 10 February 11:00am-11:50am Composition Masterclass with Ellen Reid in cooperation with New Mexico Philharmonic Performers: UNM composition students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Center for the Arts, Room 1111 Program: TBA Fri 10 February 1:00pm-2:40pm Workshop with Jeffrey Brooks clarinet & Silviu Ciulei guitar Composers: UNM composition students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Center for the Arts, Room 1111 Program: TBA Sun 12 February 3:00pm UNM Faculty Spotlight Concert: Clarinet Meets Guitar Composers: John Donald Robb (1892-1989), Marc Mellits (b.1966), Adrian Andrei (b.1980), Redi Marku (b.1984), Olga Amelkina-Vera (b.1976), Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) Performers: Jeffrey Brooks clarinet & Silviu Ciulei guitar Venue: UNM Keller Hall Tickets: $0 Program:
Fri 24 February 11:00am & 1:00pm Composition Masterclass with Sarah Hennies Performers: UNM composition students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Center for the Arts Room 1111 Topic: TBA Fri 3 March 11:00am & 1:00pm Artist Talk with Composer Levi Raleigh Brown Levi will present by Zoom Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Center for the Arts Room 1111 Topics:
Sat 4 March 2:00pm Workshop with Percussionist Alan Zimmerman Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Keller Hall Sat 4 March 7:30pm Concert with Percussionist Alan Zimmerman Composers: Rebecca Saunders, Kenneth Cornell, Raven Chacon Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Keller Hall Program:
Tue 7 March 3:00pm Piano Masterclass with Emanuele Arciuli Performers: UNM Music students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Keller Hall Program: tba Tue 7 March 7:30pm Studio Recital Performers: New Music New Mexico and The UNM Composition students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Center for the Arts Room B120 Program: tba Wed 8 March 11:00am Lecture-Demonstration with Xavier Foley presented by Santa Fe Pro Musica Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Center for the Arts Room 1111 Program: Xavier will demonstrate and give a lecture on good string writing. Wed 8 March 2:00pm Piano Masterclass with Emanuele Arciuli Performers: UNM Music students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Keller Hall Program: tba Thu 9 March 12:30pm Piano Masterclass with Emanuele Arciuli Performers: UNM Music students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Keller Hall Program: tba Fri 10 March 4:30pm Piano Masterclass with Emanuele Arciuli Performers: UNM Music students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Keller Hall Program: tba Wed 22 - Fri 24 & Mon 27 March 51st Annual John Donald Robb Composer's Symposium Tickets: $0 UNM Keller Hall unless otherwise indicated* Composers: Axel Retif, Beth Ratay, Cara Haxo, Carlos Arellano, Chris Orphal, Daniel Davis, Doug Falk, John Donald Robb, Jude Harb, Laura Cetilia, Levi Raleigh Brown, Mario Godoy, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, Paula Matthusen, Sky Macklay, Thomas Ropp. Performers: Splinter Reeds (Kyle Bruckmann oboe, Bill Kalinkos clarinet, Nicki Roman saxophone, Jeff Anderle bass clarinet, Dana Jessen bassoon), Moving Lines Ensemble (Charlotte Leung alto saxophone, Adrian Gomez cello, Levi Raleigh Brown percussion, John Barney spoken word), David Felberg and Ruxandra Marquardt violin; Laura Tait Chang viola; Amy Huzjak cello.
Fri 7 April 11:00am Artist Talk with Clara Byom and Joshua Carro Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Center for the Arts Room 1111 Topics: tba Fri 14 April 11:00am Artist Talk with Beth Ratay Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Center for the Arts Room 1111 Topics: Emotions and Math, the Music of Beth Ratay Sun 30 April 12:00pm Studio Recital Performers: New Music New Mexico and The UNM Composition students Tickets: $0 Venue: UNM Keller Hall Program: tba COMPOSERS Axel Retif, Beth Ratay, Cara Haxo, Carlos Arellano, Chris Orphal, Daniel Davis, Doug Falk, John Donald Robb, Jude Harb, Laura Cetilia, Levi Raleigh Brown, Mario Godoy, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, Paula Matthusen, Sky Macklay, Thomas Ropp PERFORMERS
The John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium is a part of the Robb New Music Series, in partnership with UNM Music and the UNM College of Fine Arts. View and download the 2023 51st Annual John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium commemorative program: SCHEDULE Wednesday 22 March John Donald Robb Concert 7:30pm * free admission and reception UNM Keller Hall | directions Composers: John Donald Robb, Daniel Davis, Beth Ratay, Levi Raleigh Brown Performers: Adobe Saxophone Quartet (Taylor Gilman soprano saxophone, Cade Gutierrez alto saxophone, Brady Charrier tenor saxophone, Parker Head baritone saxophone, Ashley Kelly coach); Ruxandra Marquardt and David Felberg violin; Laura Tait Chang viola; Amy Huzjak cello; Moving Lines Ensemble (Charlotte Leung alto saxophone, Adrian Gomez cello*, Levi Raleigh Brown percussion, John Barney spoken word) Program ~ Four World Premieres:
![]() Watch an archival live stream of the Robb Concert provided by UNM Keller Hall. Thursday 23 March Splinter Reeds Masterclasses 2:00pm-2:55pm * free admission UNM Center For The Arts (CFA) multiple rooms:
Thursday 23 March Splinter Reeds Concert Music from the Americas Concert Series 7:30pm * free admission UNM Keller Hall | directions Composers: Mario Godoy, Cara Haxo, Sky Macklay, Laura Cetilia, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, Paula Matthusen Performers: Splinter Reeds (Kyle Bruckmann oboe, Bill Kalinkos clarinet, Nicki Roman saxophone, Jeff Anderle bass clarinet, Dana Jessen bassoon) Program:
Watch an archival live stream of the Splinter Reeds concert, provided by UNM Keller Hall. Friday 24 March UNM Student Composers Concert 7:30pm * free admission UNM Keller Hall | directions Composers: Axel Retif, Carlos Arellano, Chris Orphal, Doug Falk, Jude Harb, Thomas Ropp Performers: Splinter Reeds (Kyle Bruckmann oboe, Bill Kalinkos clarinet, Nicki Roman saxophone, Jeff Anderle bass clarinet, Dana Jessen bassoon) Program:
Watch an archival live stream of the Splinter Reeds concert, provided by UNM Keller Hall. Monday 27 March
Sky Macklay Masterclass 9:00am-4:00pm * free admission UNM Center For The Arts (CFA) see room schedule below Composers: UNM composition students Program: Composer Sky Macklay will coach UNM compositions students
Noberta Fresquez Receives 2022 Robb Award10/12/2022A lifetime of achievement in the field of Southwestern Music ![]() Noberta Fresquez, co-founder and executive director of Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque, will receive the 2022 Robb Award for Excellence during the annual ¡Música del Corazón! concert Sunday 13 November 2022 2:30 pm at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Albuquerque Journal Theatre. Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend. The Robb Award is presented annually by the Board of Directors of the UNM (University of New Mexico) John Donald Robb Musical Trust to a musician, individual, or organization that has made an outstanding contribution in New Mexico in one of the following areas of expertise: Music of the Southwest, Music Education, or Contemporary Music. Each Robb Award recipient receives an honorarium and is recognized during one of the Robb Trust’s annual events. Visit robbtrust.org for details about ¡Música del Corazón! and the Robb Award. Noberta Fresquez is recognized, locally, nationally, and internationally for her expertise in cultural entertainment and programming. She is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Mexico Hispano Music Association; the Mark Ipiotis Award from the New Mexico Hispano Entertainers Association; the CREATIVE BRAVO AWARD, and the DE COLORES AWARD for excellence in cultural education programming. She has also been recognized by the New Mexico State Board of Education for her outstanding work in delivering Mariachi music education to public school children in the state. In 2010, she was recognized by the New Mexico Business Weekly as one of that year’s 25 influential Women of New Mexico. In 2011, Noberto received the highest award the Mexican government gives to non-Mexican citizens, El Premio OHTLI. She is one of three New Mexicans that have received this prestigious award. Most recently she received the New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award from Governor Susana Martinez. ![]() 5-10 April 2022 Performances Sun 3 April 10:30a Emanuele Arciuli Chatter 912 3rd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 This was a special pre-symposium concert. Featured Composers:
Tue 5 April 7:30p Ekmeles vocal ensemble FREE ADMISSION UNM Keller Hall Live Stream Ekmeles is a NYC-based vocal sextet dedicated to the performance of new and rarely-heard works, and gems of the historical avant garde. Featured Composers
Ekmeles
Wed 6 April 7:30p Emanuele Arciuli FREE ADMISSION UNM Keller Hall Live Stream Emanuele Arciuli has established himself as one of the most original and interesting performers on today’s classical music scene. His repertoire ranges from Bach to contemporary music, with a strong affinity for composers from the United States. Featured Composers
Thu 7 April 7:30p Ekmeles vocal ensemble FREE ADMISSION Cathedral of St John Albuquerque 318 Silver Ave. SW ABQ 87102 Featured Composers
Sun 10 April 10:30a Chatter TICKETS $5-$16 pre-order chatter.org or $20 at the door (if not sold out) 912 3rd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Chatter fosters curiosity about and understanding of today’s composers by juxtaposing and weaving together new and traditional classical music. Featured Composers
Chatter musicians
Sun 10 April 7:30p Robb Concert featuring Seth Keeton & University of New Mexico Choirs FREE ADMISSION UNM Keller Hall Live Stream Featuring works by John Donald Robb (1892-1989) Dean of UNM College of Fine Arts (1942-1957) and other composers. Bass-baritone, Seth Keeton’s performances have been described by The New York Times as “driven” and “emotionally pointed.” UNM Choirs are directed by Dr. David Edmonds. The Annual Robb Concert will be followed by a public reception sponsored by the Robb Trust. Featured Composers
Featured Performers:
Workshops Tue 29 March 7:30p loadbang FREE ADMISSION UNM Kurt Fredrick Hall, Room B120, Popejoy Hall lower level This is a special pre-symposium UNM student composer workshop recital. loadbang is building a new kind of music for mixed ensemble of trumpet, trombone, bass clarinet, and baritone voice. Featured Composers
Tue 29 March 2:00p Bass Clarinet Master Class with Adrián Sandi, bass clarinet of loadbang FREE ADMISSION UNM College of Fine Arts, Room B015 Born and raised in San José, Costa Rica, Adrián studied at National Institute of Music of Costa Rica. He obtained a BM magna cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University, a MM with distinction from DePaul University, and a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Eastman School of Music. Mon 4 April 3:00p Choir Master Class with ekmeles vocal ensemble FREE ADMISSION UNM College of Fine Arts, Room B117 Tue 5 April 12:15p Composition Master Class with Patricia Alessandrini FREE ADMISSION UNM College of Fine Arts, Room 1106 Patricia Alessandrini studied composition and electronics at the Conservatorio di Bologna, Conservatoire de Strasbourg, and IRCAM, and holds two PhDs, from Princeton University and the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC) respectively. Her principal composition teachers were Ivan Fedele, Paul Koonce, Tristan Murail, and Thea Musgrave. Patricia is the 2020 John Donald Robb Composition Commission recipient. Thu 7 April 3:00p Voice Master Class with Seth Keeton, bass-baritone FREE ADMISSION UNM College of Fine Arts, Room B117 Fri 8 April 11:00a Artist Talk with Monica Demarco, musician, teacher, composer FREE ADMISSION UNM College of Fine Arts, Room 1111 Monica Demarco’s work spans a range of styles pulling from many diverse musical experiences. She enjoys collaboration with many different artistic disciplines including dance, theatre and visual art. She lives in Albuquerque and is a UNM graduate with degrees in Piano Performance and Theory/Composition. Performance Venues Cathedral of St. John 318 Silver Avenue SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 | directions located at the corner of 4th & Silver in downtown Albuquerque stjohnsabq.org COVID Protocols: coming soon CHATTER 912 3rd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 | directions located between Granite and Marble Avenues chatterabq.org COVID Protocols: As the risk from COVID in our community decreases, Chatter is changing our policies in line with other local theaters and arts presenters. Effective with the April 3rd concert, we will no longer be verifying vaccination status for entry to Chatter. Masks will continue to be required of the audience when not consuming food or drink, and we will continue to provide supplemental air filtration. These protocols are subject to change. UNM College of Fine Arts Center for the Arts & Art Musuem 203 Cornell Dr, Albuquerque, NM 87106 | directions located within the Popejoy Hall complex finearts.unm.edu COVID Protocols: Effective March 19, 2022, the University of New Mexico no longer requires masks to be worn indoors at their campuses located in counties that are considered at low or medium COVID-19 community level by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, Keller Hall will not check vaccination cards and will not require patrons or performers to wear a mask. Anyone choosing to wear a mask may continue to do so. Click here for a detailed summary of UNM's COVID protocols. These protocols are subject to change. UNM Keller Hall Center for the Arts & Art Museum 203 Cornell Dr, Albuquerque, NM 87106 | directions Keller Hall shares a lobby with Popejoy Hall finearts.unm.edu/venues/keller-hall COVID Protocols: Effective March 19, 2022, the University of New Mexico no longer requires masks to be worn indoors at their campuses located in counties that are considered at low or medium COVID-19 community level by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, Keller Hall will not check vaccination cards and will not require patrons or performers to wear a mask. Anyone choosing to wear a mask may continue to do so. Click here for a detailed summary of UNM's COVID protocols. These protocols are subject to change. Lone Piñon is the 2022 recipient of a Robb Trust underwriting grant, for their project “Musica de los Manitos”. They recently delivered an invitational workshop with dancers from bailefolklorico and flamenco backgrounds, in which elders Reyes and Cordelia García (Pecos) and Lucy Salazar (Cañoncito) led participants through the entire repertoire of Northern New Mexico figure dances, with a focus on two endangered forms (el taleán and las cuadrillas). Attached is a video excerpt from the dance workshop. Upcoming events in the series will serve evacuees from communities affected by the Calf Canyon / Hermits Peak fire. For more information about Robb Trust underwriting, visit: robbtrust.org/underwriting.html Below: Elders Lucy Salazar, Reyes Garcia, and Cordelia Garcia lead young dancers from El Ballet Folklorico Santa Fe in "La Cuna," a traditional figure dance of Northern New Mexican bailes and fandangos. Lone Piñon performs a cuna from the repertoire of Mariano Romero and Los Villeros Alegres de Santa Fe. |
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