Celebrating Two Years of Artist Anthology

Two years ago in October 2023, All Classical Radio launched the NEA-funded Artist Anthology, celebrating contemporary creatives of the Pacific Northwest. With the goal of capturing the lives and work of the region’s culture bearers, we’ve unveiled 42 lovingly curated artist profiles, first available online at anthology.allclassical.org and then in a limited-edition book.

Each artist profile was crafted by a team of prominent local writers and photographers who transformed their research and interactions with the artists into gorgeous storytelling and portraits. Two years into this project, we continue to witness the impact that these groundbreaking artists have on our regional communities and beyond.

Keep reading to learn more about the project’s impact, as well as read exciting updates shared directly by some of the Anthology’s featured artists.

Project Stats

42 artist profiles published online and in the limited-edition book
34 local contributors who crafted each artist profile: 21 writers; 13 photographers
Over 425 miles of the Pacific Northwest region represented
50,266 words written; 1,176 photos submitted
Over 26,000 visits to anthology.allclassical.org as of October 10, 2025
460 pages comprising the extraordinary limited-edition book

Book Release

Photo of open coffee table book showing artwork by Latoya Lovely

In May 2025, All Classical released its debut published book: the stunning, limited-edition Artist Anthology. With expanded biographical features, plus additional exclusive content available only in the book, you won’t want to miss out on this collectible snapshot of regional contemporary art. There’s nothing else like it in the world.

Order your copy of the All Classical Radio Artist Anthology at shop.allclassical.org.

Artist Updates

Since their profiles were first published online between 2023-2024, we’ve heard from several of the Anthology’s featured artists on recent updates and exciting milestones around their work.

Joe Cantrell

Joe Cantrell continues to be a pillar of the community, not only by sharing his time and wisdom with local arts organizations, but also through his astounding images.

In honor of the Artist Anthology’s second anniversary, Joe writes, “I felt the need to work up a commemorative image of my own as Bolero plays on the air. I AM TEAM BOLERO if they’ll have me, and this 225,000,000-year-old Ammonite child’s name is ‘Bolero’ too.”

Photo of Joe Cantrell holding camera — Photo by Jim Lommasson

Darrell Grant

Darrell Grant will be making his symphony soloist debut at the end of October, performing the world premiere of David Schiff’s Uptown/Downtown: Concerto for Piano & Orchestra with the Oregon Symphony.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek at Darrell’s upcoming performance of Uptown/Downtown:

Photo of Darrell Grant wearing blue shirt — Photo by So-Min Kang

Hunter Noack

Hunter Noack’s IN A LANDSCAPE celebrated its tenth anniversary season with 49 concerts across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

The New York Times traveled to Oregon’s Alvord Desert and Ketchum, Idaho to highlight IN A LANDSCAPE in a feature published online and in both national and international printed papers. Other recent press includes a segment aired on PBS’ Backroads of Montana, and stories in Fox Weather, Flaunt, Success, Airmail, and C Magazine.

Forbes Magazine highlighted this season’s work with farmers, ranchers, and two culinary collaborators: An IN A LANDSCAPE ice cream flavor created in partnership with Salt & Straw’s Tyler Malek to be eaten with Scriabin’s Nocturne No. 9, available only at the Rose Garden Amphitheater concert; and picnic baskets curated by the James Beard Award–winning restaurant Kann for all Portland concerts.

In June, Hunter released his second album, IN A LANDSCAPE: LIVE, featuring eleven live recordings from the past decade of IN A LANDSCAPE concerts. Special guest artists include James Edmund Greeley and May Arden.

Corinna Luyken

Corinna Luyken’s latest picture book, The Arguers, is a delightfully preposterous fairy tale about a community that forgets how to get along. Called “A charming illustrated parable about the absurdity of self-righteousness” by Maria Popova of The Marginalian, “Thoroughly enchanting, without argument” by Kirkus, and “Stangely beautiful [with] art that can be pored over time and time again” by Booklist, it was published this past summer by Rocky Pond Books of Penguin Random House.

Get a special preview of the book in the animated trailer for The Arguers on Corinna’s Instagram!

Photo of Corinna Luyken sitting at table holding mug — Photo by Laura Dart

Myriam Marcela

“Two years ago, I was in a very different place. I had come through a season of loss and depression, and I remember wanting to share that truth openly—because even as artists, surrounded by beauty and creativity, we can still face moments of deep struggle. I wanted others to know they weren’t alone, and that healing is possible, even when it feels far away.

“Today, I’m creating again from a place of joy and purpose. I’ve moved into a larger studio where I continue to create one-of-a-kind couture pieces. Each garment feels like a collaboration, a shared story told through fabric and form.

“I’ve also begun offering private fashion design and couture lessons, sharing the craft and techniques that have shaped my career. It’s been rewarding to connect with students who are eager to learn the art of creating with intention and excellence.

“My hope is that my story reminds others that even after the hardest seasons, beauty and purpose can return in richer, more unexpected ways. Much like the vintage pieces I take apart and bring back to life, I’ve done the same with myself—transforming what once felt broken into something entirely new and beautiful.”

Photo of Myriam Marcela sketching at sewing table — Photo by Katy Weaver

Sankar Raman

Photo of musicians in performance hall with wood walls — Recording session at All Classical Radio; photo courtesy of Sankar Raman

“Two years ago, I wasn’t expecting much when I saw an email from All Classical Radio — Portland’s KQAC — in my inbox. I remember opening it, not realizing that it would lead to being included in their ‘Artist Anthology’ — a project celebrating groundbreaking voices from across the Pacific Northwest. What began as a simple invitation soon unfolded into a collaboration that built bridges between communities and amplified voices not often heard in classical music spaces.

“All Classical Radio launched the ‘Artist Anthology’ to highlight 40 remarkable creatives whose work shapes the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest. It wasn’t until the profiles began rolling out that I realized the magnitude of the company I was keeping — artists, writers, and visionaries whose contributions define the region’s creative spirit.

“There I was, featured as No. 25, humbled and a little astonished to find myself among them, wondering if I truly belonged.

“Yet being included in this collection felt like both an affirmation and an invitation — a reminder that the creative community here is broader, braver, and more inclusive than even I ever imagined. As with all of All Classical Radio’s endeavors, the project was carried out with deep intentionality, transforming recognition into an act of artistry in itself.

“On October 14 and 15, 2025, we were invited back into All Classical Radio’s brand-new, world-class studio in Portland’s iconic KOIN Tower as part of their Access Recording Project 2025. It was an incredible honor, and we were absolutely thrilled to record at All Classical’s Irving Levin Performance Hall and the James DePreist Recording Studio.

“Over the course of two full days — 10 hours in total — we enjoyed professional recording time complete with every resource a musician could dream of — all at no cost to us. The experience was made even more special by working with Portland legend Justin Phelps of The Hallowed Halls recording studio, who served as our recording engineer.

“Many of you may not know that The Immigrant Story has been collaborating for years with local artists, musicians, and composers to create some of the most heartfelt and innovative world music fusion projects. This new work is no exception, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!

“Having spent time in the James DePreist Recording Studio, I can honestly say it’s one of Portland’s finest: spacious, state-of-the-art, and staffed by some of the most talented, welcoming, and knowledgeable engineers around.

“Our upcoming album will be released soon under the recording label ‘I Am An American Live.’ Stay tuned to hear world-class music produced right here in Portland!”

Gabriel Rucker

The wonderful team at Chef Gabriel Rucker’s restaurant, Le Pigeon, will be opening a new outpost of Canard in Beaverton, Oregon in mid-October. The new location have all the Canard staples—oysters, oeufs, steam burgers, and the duck stack—alongside playful new, west side specific creations like a smoked s’more icebox cake. Dustin Cavin will be the chef de cuisine.

Learn more at canardrestaurant.com.

Photo of Gabriel Rucker cooking — Photo by Christine Dong

Kim Stafford

Kim Stafford co-edited a book that contains fifty translations of his poem, “A Proclamation for Peace,” into Yoruba, Tagalog, Zapotec, Tamil, Nepali, Roma, and other languages. The book contains QR codes that empower readers to hear translations read aloud.

Blue book of poetry with black and white photo of girl

Black and white photo of Kim Stafford — Photo by Daniel Stark

Takeshi Yonezawa

Takeshi Yonezawa is currently working on pieces for his first solo exhibition, which will be held in 2028 at a museum in Wyoming and will run for several months. He has been creating a new war bonnet, as well as new bonsai and skateboard pieces, and each day feels full of challenges and discoveries for the artist.

Revisit all of the profiles at anthology.allclassical.org and order the stunning book for your shelf at shop.allclassical.org.

Desktop web banner for All Classical Radio's Artist Anthology

Host Lisa Lipton Interviews Oregon Symphony’s Paul Snyder

JUST ANNOUNCED: The Oregon Symphony has named Paul Snyder as the orchestra’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Snyder had been appointed Interim President and CEO in July 2025.

As the strategic and operational leader of the Oregon Symphony, Snyder will oversee the artistic, financial, and administrative aspects of the organization, working in close collaboration with Jean Vollum Music Director David Danzmayr to support his artistic direction and creative vision for the orchestra. Drawing on his service on the Oregon Symphony Board of Directors, Snyder brings a deep understanding of the Symphony’s culture and long-term direction. He began an organization-wide strategic planning process in 2025 that engaged board members, musicians, staff, and other stakeholders in shaping a bold and vibrant future for the Symphony.

All Classical Radio host Lisa Lipton spoke with Paul about the future of the Oregon Symphony and arts in Portland. Hear their conversation below:

Learn more at orsymphony.org.

Stay tuned for All Classical Radio’s Oregon Symphony broadcasts beginning in December 2025.

John Pitman Reviews: Marc-André Hamelin’s ‘Found Objects / Sound Objects’

Recorded in the All Classical Radio studios during his visit to promote his performance with Vancouver Symphony, pianist Marc-André Hamelin chats with Director of Music and Programming John Pitman about his 92nd (!) album, Found Objects / Sound Objects.

*Host John Pitman and pianist Marc-André Hamelin*

The new album includes works by 20th century icons such as John Cage, Stefan Wolpe, and Frank Zappa, as well as Marc’s friends John Oswald and Yehudi Wyner. The album concludes with a work by Marc himself, titled Hexensabbat, which is German for Witches’ Sabbath.

In their conversation, Marc gives insight into these fascinating, challenging and also charming 20th and 21st century works for piano.

Hear the conversation below:

Marc-André Hamelin’s Found Objects / Sound Objects is available now on Hyperion Records.

Cover art for Marc-André Hamelin's 'Found Objects / Sound Objects'

John Pitman Reviews: Tomás Cotik’s Paganini Capriccio

All Classical Radio host John Pitman recently spoke with Portland violinist and Portland State University Professor of Violin, Tomás Cotik, about his unique approach to performing some of the most challenging works for solo violin: the Caprices of Nicolo Paganini.

On Tomás’ latest album, Paganini: Capriccio, he emphasizes the world in which Paganini lived, which wasn’t just as a virtuoso, but a composer inspired by Bel Canto opera. Dazzling pyrotechnics blend with achingly beautiful lyrical melodies; there’s that demonic quality to be found in such caprices as No. 24, but also angelic voices in the Cantabile and the “Moses Fantasy”, which features Portland pianist, Monica Ohuchi.

Paganini: Capriccio might be a good Halloween soundtrack, and it might also be just what you want to hear the morning after.

John Pitman and Tomás Cotik at the All Classical Radio studios

Hear their conversation and some exclusive previews from the new album below:

Tomás Cotik’s Paganini: Capriccio is available October 23, 2025, on Centaur Records.

Monster Music: 5 Petrifying Pieces for Halloween

Fall is finally here, and with it comes a supernatural delight for all things spooky. Fellow Halloween lovers might remember the Monster Music post on our ICAN blog. This year, we wanted to add to the fun with more surprisingly sinister songs to bring the monsters out of hiding. Read on for some ghostly recommendations, and be sure to tune in to All Classical Radio in October for even more mysterious music.

Sonata in G Minor, “Devil’s Trill” by Giuseppe Tartini

To start our list, we have a deceptively beautiful piece, Sonata in G minor “Devil’s Trill.” No one would blame you if you didn’t know the tale behind its creation. Legend tells of a long, restless night, in which Giuseppe Tartini dreamt of the devil himself appearing at his bedside. The devil offered to be his servant and teacher, and Tartini sagely handed the devil a violin to test his skill. Tartini claims that the devil played so passionately and with such intensity that when he awoke, he couldn’t help but rush to the table to try to transcribe it.

It is said that what we’re left with is but a shadow of the devil’s piece, but it’s hard to imagine how it could be improved upon. Each of the sonata’s four movements has a distinct sound, and transitions from long languid lines to fiendishly difficult arpeggiated triads.

“Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath” from Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz

A superb example of programmatic music , (music used to tell a story or depict an idea) Symphonie Fantastique tells the story of an artist tortured by unrequited love. In the depths of his despair, he attempts to poison himself with opium. What ensues is a transcendental nightmare as the artist journeys through his own drug-fueled hallucinations, coming to an end with this masterful scene. The artist can only watch as his beloved joins the witches in their vulgar display and dances to Berlioz’s parody of the “Dies Irae.” Incandescently beautiful and frighteningly hellish, Berlioz’s final movement is the perfect backdrop for a ghostly October evening.

“Catacombs” from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky

In 1868, composer Modest Mussorgsky was introduced to Victor Hartmann, a Russian architect and painter. Mussorgsky was inspired by one of his exhibitions to create a piano suite in ten movements, aptly titled Pictures at an Exhibition. The eighth movement, “Catacombs,” had a note scrawled in the margins, “cum mortuis in lingua mortua.” Translated from Latin, it means “With the dead in a dead language.”

*Paris Catacombs* (with the figures of V. A. Hartmann, V. A. Kenel, and a guide holding a lantern)

A haunting and somber piece, it features a sparse accompaniment, largely alternating between block chords, that help evoke the grand stillness of the Paris catacombs. The striking dynamic contrasts throughout echo with a melancholy that leaves the listener holding their breath, wondering what will come next.

Mephisto Waltz No. 1 by Franz Liszt

The Mephisto Waltzes are four waltzes composed by Franz Liszt. “Waltz No. 1” is the most popular of the four, and it’s not hard to see why. Another wonderful example of programmatic music, it tells of a wedding feast at a village inn. Faust, from Nikolaus Lenau’s 1836 verse drama Faust, is tempted by Mephistopheles to join in the festivities. Throughout the night, Faust gets carried away dancing with the village beauty, and together they dance away into the night. This vibrant piece features dramatic, syncopated lines contrasted with relaxed, sensual passages. For those of us who don’t mind a midnight tryst, this waltz is sure to have you on your feet.

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach

Of course, no monster music list is ever complete without the addition of Bach’s iconic Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. While its origins may be disputed, the profound cultural effect it has had can’t be argued. Its first use in film was in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931). Since then, it has been played in countless other films, such as Disney’s Fantasia, the 1962 version of The Phantom of the Opera, and even comedies such as Zoolander 2. Long associated with the horror genre, this piece is truly the only way to welcome the Halloween season and invite all the monsters to come and play.

More Spooky Tunes and Tales:

Monster Music (on icanradio.org)
The Sounds of Fear: 10 Scary Horror Film Scores
Boo! A Halloween Special

CLASSICAL MUSIC UK: All Classical Radio names composer and young artist in residence

Dana Sparling, All Classical Radio’s 2025 Young Artist in Residence. Photo by Frankie Tresser.

By Florence Lockheart

Portland’s independent, classically-focused radio station All Classical Radio has named Kirsten Volness as its composer in residence, and multi-instrumentalist Dana Sparling as young artist in residence. During their residencies the duo will also serve as the media network’s 2025-2026 young artist ambassadors.

The Oregon-based listener-supported radio station as one of the first in the US to offer artist residencies, and will offer Volness and Sparling access to All Classical Radio’s state-of-the-art facilities, plus opportunities for professional and creative development.

Keep reading at classical-music.uk.

CURRENT; MUSICALAMERICA; BROADWAY WORLD: All Classical Radio Names Kirsten Volness as Composer in Residence and Dana Sparling as Young Artist in Residence

Kirsten Volness, All Classical Radio's 2025 Composer in Residence

Current by Julian Wyllie

Broadway World by Stephi Wild

All Classical Radio has named Kirsten Volness as a Composer in Residence, and flute, piccolo, and saxophone player Dana Sparling as Young Artist in Residence. Additionally, Kristen Kim and Kaden Prichard will serve as the Media Network’s 2025-2026 Young Artist Ambassadors. One of the first radio stations in the nation to offer artist residencies, ACR has provided opportunities to numerous young and professional musicians for career advancement, creative development, and audience exposure since the program’s launch in 2019.

This announcement was featured on:

2025 Young Artist & Composer Residencies

All Classical Radio is thrilled to announce flutist Dana Sparling as the station’s 2025-2026 Young Artist in Residence. A junior at Camas High School in Washington, Dana has played flute and clarinet since middle school. She now plays flute and piccolo with Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s Symphony Orchestra, and alto saxophone with MYS’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

“Through this residency, I hope to uplift other young musicians in my community by sharing young artist-focused projects on All Classical’s airwaves and online platforms,” says Dana. “I hope to build more connections within the Pacific Northwest’s classical community and gain meaningful performance experience.”

Dana will help create content for the station’s blog and digital channels, as well as perform on a future episode of Thursdays @ Three.

2025 YOUNG ARTIST AMBASSADORS

All Classical Radio’s 2025-2026 Young Artists Ambassadors — *All Classical Radio’s 2025-2026 Young Artist Ambassadors. Photo by Frankie Tresser.*

Dana will be joined by All Classical Radio’s new cohort of Young Artist Ambassadors for 2025-2026:

16-year-old cellist Kristen Kim from Portland, OR

16-year-old clarinetist Kaden Prichard from Oak Grove, OR

Meet our 2025-2026 Young Artist in Residence and Ambassadors.

First launched in 2019, All Classical Radio’s Young Artist in Residence program has continued to grow and flourish since its inception. In 2022, the station expanded its youth residency program with the first-of-its-kind Young Artist Ambassadors, building upon its commitment to serving youth regionally and across the country.

2025 COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE

Kirsten Volness, All Classical Radio's 2025-2026 Composer in Residence. Photo by Rachel Hadiashar. — *Kirsten Volness, All Classical Radio’s 2025-2026 Composer in Residence*. *Photo by Rachel Hadiashar.*

All Classical has also named Kirsten Volness as the station’s 2025-2026 Composer in Residence. She is known for her emotive soundscapes which integrate electronics and modern composition techniques with jazz and pop influences.

Kirsten takes inspiration from nature, myths, spirituality, and environmental and sociopolitical issues. She will help the station helm the Recording Inclusivity Initiative’s third album. Her original work, little tiny stone, full of blue fire, will be included on All Classical Radio’s third RII album in 2026.

Learn more about All Classical Radio’s award-winning Recording Inclusivity Initiative at recordinginclusivity.allclassical.org.

ABOUT

The Artists in Residence program provides young and professional musicians with opportunities for career advancement, creative development, and audience exposure. The program is a part of All Classical Radio’s initiatives dedicated to equity and inclusivity in the arts.

All Classical Radio is committed to supporting our Artists in Residence by providing them with new resources and opportunities to connect with audiences, expand their musical portfolio, and reach new creative heights as our partners, including:

Access to All Classical Radio’s recording facilities
Access to the station’s digital music archives for research and development
Encouragement and support for professional development as artists
A financial award to assist with projects and performances

We believe All Classical Radio’s Artists in Residence program is a truly unique and all-encompassing opportunity for musicians to learn and grow. Learn more at allclassical.org/artists-in-residence.

PAST ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Previous Young Artists in Residence include composer, trombonist, and vocalist Elaina Stuppler (2024); pianist and violinist Amir Avsker (2023); double bass player Maggie Carter (2022); pianist Natalie Tan (2020); and cellist Taylor Yoon (2019). The station named its first-ever Young Artist Ambassadors in 2022.

All Classical Radio’s current Artists in Residence are violinist Emily Cole and clarinetist James Shields. Previous professional Artists in Residence include pianist María García (2022-2023); flutist Adam Eccleston (2020-2021); and concert pianist Hunter Noack (2019).

Meet all of All Classical Radio’s Artists in Residence.

Six Composers We’re Celebrating for National Hispanic Heritage Month

At All Classical Radio, we celebrate the musical contributions of Hispanic and Latino composers—both past and present—every day on the air. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’d love to share about the lives of six extraordinary Hispanic composers you will hear as part of our daily programming.

José White Lafitte (1836-1918)

Born in Cuba, violinist and composer José White Lafitte showed signs of musical talent from a young age. At 19 years old, White Lafitte performed the violin publicly for the first time with American pianist Louis Moreau Gottschalk. The performance’s success led to White Lafitte’s enrollment at the Paris Conservatory, where he won the First Grand Prize for Violin within his first year of study.

White Lafitte went on to enjoy a fruitful career as a touring performer, composer, and educator. Fun fact: one of his students was George Enescu.

For over a decade, White Lafitte worked as the director of the Imperial Conservatory in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the court composer of Emperor Pedro II. As a composer, his works often feature the violin and elegantly straddle the traditions of the romantic era with musical features from his homeland.

Carlos Chávez (1899-1978)

The prolific career of Mexican composer and conductor Carlos Chávez spanned over 50 years. Appreciated as one of the most influential musical figures in Mexican history, Chávez created a distinct sound world that honored his home country. His emergence into adulthood coincided with the end of the Mexican Revolution in 1921, after which a new cultural nationalism emerged that made a significant impression on the young composer.

Chávez wrote over 200 works, from ballets and symphonies to pieces for piano and small ensemble. As a conductor, he led nearly every major orchestra in the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. However, perhaps his most significant impact was his advocacy for increased access to the arts in Mexico. As founder and head of the Orquesta Sinfónica de México (OSM), Chávez organized concerts for workers and children. He even took the orchestra out to rural Mexican provinces, bringing classical music to many audiences for the first time.

José Pablo Moncayo (1912-1958)

Speaking of Carlos Chávez, the illustrious composer taught our next subject, José Pablo Moncayo, at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. Moncayo was a pianist and percussionist, though he is best remembered today as a conductor rather than a composer. His orchestral piece, Huapango, is a popular choice for the concert hall. Along with three other Mexican composers, Moncayo formed the “Group of Four” to foster a nationalist school of Mexican music, similar to France’s “Les Six” and Russia’s “The Five.” He championed idioms from Mexican folk music in his works and sought to incorporate these sounds into the Classical vernacular.

Fun fact: Moncayo was invited to study composition with Aaron Copland at Tanglewood during the summer of 1942.

Photo of Jose Pablo Moncayo — *Image courtesy of Classical KUSC*

Carlos Guastavino (1912-2000)

Argentinian composer Carlos Guastavino showed talent for the piano from an early age. A self-proclaimed lover of melody and song, Guastavino would write hundreds of songs over the course of his career (many of which have not been published), leading admirers to claim him as “The Argentine Schubert.” He was devoted to tonal harmony and traditional musical forms amid the rise of experimental musical styles in the mid-20^th century, and he was inspired by the folk music of Argentina. Guastavino felt that simple, memorable melodies were the way to a listener’s heart.

Guastavino set words by León Benarós to music in over 60 songs and maintained a long, collaborative friendship with the poet. In addition to art song, Guastavino also wrote works for orchestra, piano, and guitar.

Violeta Parra (1917-1967)

Violeta Parra was a highly influential Chilean composer, singer-songwriter, and artist. Her father taught her and her siblings to sing and play the guitar from a young age. Unsurprisingly, Parra took to songwriting right away with passion. She was particularly inspired by Chilean folk music, which led her to co-create a new musical genre—Nueva canción chilena (“Chilean New Song”), merging native folk music with themes of social justice. Parra endeavored to keep the traditions of Chile, especially those from rural regions, alive for future generations.

Recognized as the “Mother of Latin American Folk,” Parra mastered the art of storytelling through her songs. Parra’s work as a folk musician also proved that the boundaries between classical and popular music are artificial, with recordings of her music by classical artists such as Elīna Garanča and Yo-Yo Ma.

José Elizondo (b. 1972)

Composer José Elizondo was born in Mexico and currently resides in the U.S. He holds degrees in Music and Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); he also studied music at Harvard University. Elizondo has built a dual career for himself as both a composer and an engineer—his engineering work focuses on speech-recognition technology, combining his interests in computer science, linguistics, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence.

As a composer, Elizondo has become best known for his compositions written for cello despite never learning how to play the string instrument. While studying music in college, Elizondo was introduced to the cello after hearing a performance by Carlos Prieto and becoming immensely inspired by the musician. Elizondo’s music is regularly performed by distinguished artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Allison Eldredge, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and many more. Elizondo prides himself on writing music that is joyful, heartfelt, and accessible to all audiences.

Photo of Jose Elizondo — *Image courtesy of the composer’s website*

Discover More

Check out these posts from the Arts Blog to continue learning about Hispanic composers we love to play on air:

John Pitman Reviews: Ember’s ‘Birds of Paradise’

John Pitman’s latest conversation is with harpist Emily Levin, and a new group named Ember. They specialize in works for harp, violin and cello. Ember’s new album (on Azica, to be released in September 2025) is titled Birds of Paradise, which echoes one of the pieces on their album.

Levin, who is also principal harpist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, invited violinist Julia Choi and cellist Christine Lamprea to explore this specialized, though gradually growing, repertoire for their combination of instruments. In her chat, Emily shares the history of the harp and its role in society, including the contrast of how historically the instrument was played by women domestically, but by men in larger forums, such as the symphony orchestra. The music, by Henriette Renié, Angélica Negrón, and Reena Esmail, is stunningly beautiful, and full of invention and variety.