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Back in 2020 during one of my many scroll-a-thons on social media, a post of a performance by internationally acclaimed Argentinian piano maestra Daniela Salinas magically appeared on my newsfeed. I was immediately captivated by her mastery and soulful playing and proceeded directly to her IG page for more. From there, I began a delightful correspondence with Ms. Salinas about our favorite composers and piano pieces. I found her to be warm and gracious. In 2020 when she announced the imminent release of her new piano solo CD of music by Heitor Villa-Lobos, I was granted the honor of interviewing her about it on my art and music school, Pastimes for a Lifetime‘s blog. We have been friends-in-music since.
Daniela Salinas • Photo credit Georges Gurascier
For those who don’t know, distinguished pianist Daniela Salinas was born in Patagonia, Argentina. She has an extensive concert schedule in her own country as well as abroad. With a vast repertoire, Daniela’s keen interest is in Latin American and Post-Romantic music. As a soloist and active chamber music player, Ms. Salinas has performed in the principal venues in Argentina as well as in countries from America to Europe. In between she has performed for radio and TV programs in Argentina and Chile. She also recorded an album dedicated to Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos (mentioned earlier) which received excellent reviews and recognition. Also a devoted teacher, Ms. Salinas is a guest artist for master classes in several universities and schools of music in Latin America as well as a juror for piano competitions around the world. She currently holds the position of assistant professor at the Catholic University of Argentina and as professor of piano at the Superior Conservatory of Music of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
After The Athena Foundation for the Arts began fulfilling its mission of bringing world class musicians and their stellar classical concerts with immersive imagery and lighting to enrich our community, Ms. Salinas reached out to me, enthusiastically inquiring if she might join our concert series. As you can imagine, I was ecstatic at the opportunity of including this fabulous pianist and her program of sparkling piano solos by South and North American composers in our concert series. The date of October 13, 2024 was set and travel arrangements confirmed.
Before each concert, we like to “break the ice” and introduce our guest musicians. It’s an honor to present to you my conversation with piano maestra, Daniela Salinas!
LRW: Daniela Salinas, we’re so excited to have you perform in our 2024 Fall concert series. May I ask what was the inspiration behind your curated program? Why these pieces? Why these composers? Why now?
DS: I am very excited to perform in the Athena Concert Series too. All of these composers have things in common with each other and with me. They are contemporary and each one with roots in popular and academic music created a very personal language that is difficult to classify.
LRW: How so?
DS: My experience with each composer is different. For example, Piazzolla’s music has been with me since childhood while Gnattali’s music is a recent discovery. I learned about Villa-Lobos’ music through my beloved Brazilian Maestro, Luiz de Moura Castro, when I was very young and I adopted it little by little. Mexican composer Manuel Ponce’s Intermezzo No. 1 is simply a beautiful piece. I like how it integrates into the program. And Gershwin’s music has fascinated me ever since I studied Rhapsody in Blue. Since then I became very interested in playing his music and this has led me to share the stage with jazz musicians. I believe that as a classical pianist, my liking for popular music has naturally drawn me closer to compositions that blend both worlds.
Q2: Hey, my husband and I have had the pleasure of making acquaintances with Professor Luiz de Moura Castro! A little digression is in order: Back in 2007 at a music teacher’s conference, Maestro Luiz de Moura Castro held a master class on composers from South America. He played an exquisite piano solo by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos during which I had visions of trees swaying in a breeze. No other classical piano music had this effect on me. It was a thunder bolt life-changing moment as a piano teacher and pianist. I was determined to learn more about his piano literature.
After the conference, Dr. Castro graciously took the time to review our Piano Practice and Performance book. His accolades grace the back cover. We are forever honored by this kind and gracious man. It’s so cool that Ms. Salinas’ CD was dedicated to him. Small world!
Now, back to our interview. 🙂
Can you please hint at the imagery you’ve curated for your pieces and the stories behind them? I believe you’re including some paintings by our mutually favorite painter, Ann Krasner?
DS: Of course. I chose photos and paintings that, in my opinion, represent different aspects of the music pieces. For instance, Piazzolla’s and Gershwin’s music is closely associated with major cities like Buenos Aires and New York. As a result, there are some beautiful photos of these cities, as well as wonderful paintings and drawings such as those by Ann Krasner and Nenu‘s portrait of Piazzolla. I also sourced images by Brazilian artists Ariell Guerra and Diego Dedablio, depicting Brazilian culture for the music of Radames Gnattali.
LRW: I love that! What a perfect pairing of imagery with your pieces. How wonderful to connect and collaborate with these fine North and South American artists. Athena’s audience is in for an immersive treat. May I ask, have you recorded any of the pieces you will be performing? If so, where may my readers purchase your albums or MP3s?
DS: Yes, the CD of Villa-Lobos’ pieces you had mentioned earlier is called Villa-Lobos and you can find it on digital platforms like Spotify, Amazon and Apple.
LRW: Thank you for that. I encourage my students and readers to check it out. Before we end our lovely conversation, I’d like to pose a question that I enjoy asking Athena’s guest musicians. Do you happen to have a favorite quote by a composer or musician that you’d like to share with our readers?
DS: Not a quote, but I have a little text about the function of art that I like to share with you. It belongs to the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano
Eduardo Galeano, photo credit Sandstein
THE FUNCTION OF ART 1
Diego had never seen the sea. His father, Santiago Kovadloff, took him to discover it.
They went south.
The ocean lay beyond high sand dunes, waiting.
When the child and his father finally reached the dunes after much walking, the ocean exploded before their eyes.
And so immense was the sea and its sparkle that the child was struck dumb by the beauty of it.
And when he finally managed to speak, trembling, stuttering, he asked his father:
“Help me to see!”
LRW: Wow! That brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this beautiful gem. I’m also pleased to learn of the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano and am inspired to read more of his works.
Daniela, thank you for your generous time. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege having you reveal the stories behind your upcoming concert to our readers. We are excited for your concert and look forward to seeing you then!
To learn more about this piano maestra, please visit her website and social media platforms.
Daniela Salinas
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CONCERT DETAILS:
Date
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Time
Doors Open: 3:15 PM
Concert: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM PDT
Delicious Complimentary Refreshments
Place
Community Auditorium
Church of Scn of the Valley
11455 Burbank Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 91601
Disclaimers:
•The concert is hosted exclusively by The Athena Foundation for the Arts.
•It is Not a church event.
•The Community Auditorium is rented to nonprofits and charitable organizations.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us. Thank you.
FREE Parking: Farmdale Avenue lot and street parking
Tickets
Purchase tickets on Eventbrite here or scan the QR code at the door. Cash or Credit card payments also available.
Questions? Please feel free to email us. Hope you can join us!
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