Our Interview with Composer Roberto Sierra

Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra has been called "one of the most important living composers of contemporary classical music" by WFMT. We are excited to feature his Saxophone Concerto with guest artist Julian Velasco this September at our season opener.  

Staffer Paula Martinez Marrugo recently had the chance to chat with him about his life and influences and we are excited to share the interview with you.

CS: Mr. Sierra, can you tell us a little bit about your background in music? 

My first musical experiences occurred while growing up in Puerto Rico. I started to learn piano on my own and then eventually took lessons, which prepared me to enter the Conservatory of Music in San Juan. After completing a BA at the University and Piano and composition bachelor's degree I decided to go to Europe to further my composition studies. The combined experiences of growing up in Puerto Rico and living and studying in Europe for six years are the main two pillars of my musical formation. 

CS: How has your native Puerto Rico influenced your composition style? 

Puerto Rican music, especially salsa and folkloric music, has been in my compositional DNA. The vitality of the rhythms and the unique way in which melodic structure merge with the rhythms has inspired me to the present day. I always remember with nostalgia my childhood experiences in the Puerto Rican countryside, and these feelings of longing are also present in my work. 

CS: Your music has been performed worldwide by different orchestras and ensembles. Why do you think it is important that orchestras throughout the world incorporate all kinds of musical styles in their repertoire? 

We are all part of humanity, and we should be listening to what other human beings have to say. This is fundamental for the evolution of any human culture. 

CS: Chicago Sinfonietta will be performing your Saxophone Concerto at our opening concert this coming September; can you tell us what this piece is inspired by? What should the audience listen for? 

My Concerto for Saxophones and orchestra was mainly inspired by Jazz. The improvisatory nature of the work reflects this influence, as well as the boogie woogie that closes the work. Embedded in the fabric of Jazz are my own Latin infusions. The first movement is based on the salsa clave rhythm. Let us not forget that there have been very important Latin performers in the jazz world, and that there is a genre called Latin Jazz.   

CS: What would be your advice for young composers trying to make a career? 

I think that the most important aspect is to be focused on your work. I believe that, if the music is well written and says something unique, there will be people who will be interested in it. 

CS: Last but not least, what do you do when you are not writing music? 

I like to read and to go out and walk. Sometimes some of the best ideas come to my mind while walking! 

CS: Thank you for chatting with us, Roberto! It was a pleasure. We look forward to hearing your music this season! 

Enjoy Sierra's Saxophone Concerto with guest artist Julian Velasco  at NEXT this September!