Gabriela Montero is a renowned Venezuelan-born concert pianist and composer, famous for improvising live on a theme provided by the audience. This practice was actually common in the Baroque and Classical eras.
She is also a recognized advocate for human rights in Venezuela. Maybe we can learn from her.
Gabriela Montero in NYC
Gabriela Montero “Iberia” 🇻🇪 🇪🇸
Venezuelan pianist recital showing Spain’s influence on piano repertoire including: Albéniz, Granados, and Alicia de Larrocha
92NY, Kaufmann Concert Hall, Upper East Side
May 14, Thu, 7:30pm
$45+, Streaming $25+
Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was a Spanish Catalan pianist, composer, and conductor of the post-Romantic era. His masterpiece “Iberia” (1905-1908) influenced both classical music and Spanish nationalism. He was inspired by the Spanish guitar and Andalusian folk traditions. Though he didn’t use actual folk melodies, his impressionistic compositions capture the feeling of Andalusía. Many have been transcribed into guitar works. He also performed in Latin America and absorbed some Latino traditions.
Enrique Granados (1867-1916) was a Spanish Catalan pianist and composer. His father was actually Cuban, which then was part of New Spain. His masterpiece was “Goyescas” based on the paintings of Francisco Goya.
Alicia de Larrocha (1923-2009) was a Spanish Catalan composer who popularized Albéniz, Granados, and other Spanish composers in the broader world. The child prodigy was born into a musical family of Granados students, literally born on Enrique Granados Street. She eventually took over the Acadèmia Granados school of music. It’s one thing to play a composition correctly, but quite another to make it pop. She had that ability, played a lot at Lincoln Center, and won four Grammys out of fourteen nominations.
In a way, Gabriela Montero is the living heir to these great Spanish artists.
Gabriela Montero
Montero is making her mark as a composer as well. Her “Ex Patria” is a tone poem protest against Venezuela’s descent into lawlessness, corruption and violence. Her Piano Concerto No. 1, popularly called the Latin Concerto, contrasts the lightness and darkness of Latin American culture.
Americans may focus on one or the other aspect of Latin culture, but we definitely have both. All cultures are composed of light and dark.
Her piano sings, and on stage Montero and the instrument are one.
She recently performed at the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony for Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. She also performed at President Obama’s 2009 Inauguration.
“Ex Patria” won the 2015 Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album. It contains her protest tone poem, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, and three improvisations.
More Latin culture at 92NY
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Gabriela Montero is a unique concert pianist and composer, a sturdy bridge between European and Latin American classical music traditions.