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Member of the week: Ezequiel Viñao, Composer

Our member of the week is Ezequiel Viñao. Ezequiel is a composer and music producer. His work has been performed at the some of the country’s most prestigious venues, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. Ezequiel’s music has earned praise from The New York Times and The Washington Post amongst others. For reviews of Ezequiel’s work and to hear audio clips of his music, visit his website. To find out more about him, check out his profile and our short interview with him below.

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1. What has been your most interesting project?

It is difficult to say which has been my most interesting project. I could mention several recent ones: 2005 saw both the worldwide CD release of my vocal cycle "ARCANUM" (a recording in collaboration with the Estonian conductor Kristjan Jarvi and available from BIS Records, the premier swedish label) and a commission from my "alma mater" the Juilliard School for their Centenary (in 2006) The piece was written for the legendary Juilliard String Quartet, which has been called "the first family of American Chamber Music." In 2006, I completed a commission for the Grammy-Award Winning Vocal Ensemble "Chanticleer." The new work was based on a powerful 10th century Anglo-Saxon text (which I translated into modern English from Old English). The poem speaks of the destruction and futility of war, a subject as current today as it was back then, more than a 1000 years ago.

2. Why did you decide to go freelance?

So far, I have been privileged in that I have been able to go freelance. The alternative is teaching, which, as interesting and fulfilling as it certainly is, does take a lot of time away from the creative process.

3. What tip would you give to a new freelancer or someone who is considering going freelance?

Never expect that your last project will generate your next project. Always think "laterally." Embrace change.

4. What is your favorite spot in the city in which you live?

Soho.

5. What is your inspiration?

The forgotten past.

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