Latinx Composer Miniature Challenge 2.0
“Bahué’s work engages deeply with Latinidad in the new music scene.” - Composer Jaime Díaz
PHOTO CAPTION THIS PAGE: Aliana de la Guardia and Ariel Compos of Bahué. Photo by Tyler Hubby, April 2023
Boston, MA / Los Angeles, CA (December 4, 2023) - Bahué and Castle of our Skins are pleased to announce the sister projects: Black Composer Miniature Challenge (BCMC) and Latinx Composer Miniature Challenge (LCMC)! The two organizations are excited to share platforms, create greater visibility of the global majority, and build even stronger networks of diverse creatives.
Community is at the heart of Bahué’s Latinx Composer Miniature Challenge. This year, for the Bahué #LCMC 2.0, composers who identify as Latin American or part of the Latin Diaspora are challenged to write 30-second miniature compositions for vocalist Aliana de la Guardia and percussionist Ariel Campos. This year’s focus is on voice and vibraphone instrumentation and are encouraged to be inspired by, but not limited to, themes of Latinidad!
All composers accepted will be compensated for their submissions and published in a digital anthology.
Inspired by the popular Black Composer Miniature Challenge (#BCMC) from Castle of our Skins, the duo created the Latinx Composer Miniature Challenge (#LCMC) intending to amass a repertoire of new works from composers of the Latin diaspora and to foster community around and within them.
“This project serves as our platform to gather, celebrate, and generously share our diverse heritage on a grand scale.” (Ariel Campos, percussionist for Bahué)
Bahué’s submission form is open now and closes on February 18, 2024. The duo will record the submissions in June of 2024 and premiere them virtually on their social media and YouTube channel during National Hispanic Heritage Month - September 2024.
The alignment between Bahué and Castle of our Skins heralds an inspiring partnership. Embodying the essence of unity, these sister projects stand as beacons, illuminating the narratives and melodies of underrepresented communities. This collaborative endeavor encapsulates a profound dedication to amplifying diverse voices, honoring legacies, and unveiling a mosaic of shared stories. The work of these two organizations stands as a testament to the power of music as a unifying force, celebrating and perpetuating the vibrant hues of cultural diversity.
Like and subscribe to @bahueduo on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to experience the virtual premieres of these new compositions. Visit bahueduo.com/lcmc to learn more.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Reach Aliana de la Guardia at 201-952-6735 or Ariel Campos at 818-723-4787. Both can be reached at admin@bahueduo.com. The digital press release can be accessed at bahueduo.com/news/.
Bahué stands as a vibrant, trailblazing Latin American duo wholly dedicated to the exploration of Latin American and Hispanic identity and culture through the transformative power of music. Their mission revolves around elevating the collective artistic voices within their community. By delving into the intricate layers of Latin American identity, they seek to amplify and celebrate it through both new and established concert music crafted specifically for their unique fusion of voice and percussion.
Established in 2022, Bahué proudly operates under the sponsorship of Guerilla Opera. With a presence spanning both coasts, they call Springfield, MA, and Los Angeles, CA, home - two cities boasting vibrant Latin populations exceeding 45%. This duo was born from a collaborative experiment, merging the realms of live and virtual performances to curate an unparalleled repertoire crafted by composers from the diverse Latin diaspora.
Bahué fuses cultural vibrancy and musical innovation, carving a distinctive space in the realm of Latin American music exploration. Through their dynamic performances and commitment to collaborative creation, they make an indelible mark on the musical landscape, inviting audiences into an immersive journey through the richness and diversity of Latin American heritage. Learn more at bahueduo.com.
Ariel Campos, a dynamic percussionist based in Los Angeles, boasts a richly diverse musical journey that spans collaborations with esteemed artists and groups. His repertoire includes enthralling performances alongside music icons such as Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and the renowned Country Pop Duo “Brooks and Dunn.” Campos has graced the stage with luminaries like Jennifer Lopez, as well as legendary figures in Latin Jazz such as Louie Cruz-Beltran, Francisco Aguabella, and Poncho Sanchez.
Notably, Campos holds the distinction of being an original cast member of the Tony and Emmy award-winning musical “Blast!,” which premiered in the vibrant city of London. Stepping into the spotlight as a solo percussionist, Campos has enthralled audiences through captivating solo concerts and recitals. His rhythmic prowess has resonated with the UCLA Philharmonia, the California State University, Northridge Wind Ensemble, and the Union High School Percussion Ensemble in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Moreover, Campos’s musical brilliance extends to the realm of cinema, where his talent graces the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of the acclaimed film “Bella,” adding a melodic dimension to its cinematic tapestry. His versatile contributions across various musical landscapes have marked him as a standout musician, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide with his unparalleled artistry and dedication to the rhythmic craft.
A Jedi of the arts world, Aliana de la Guardia is an operatic soprano, nonprofit arts leader, and dedicated mentor who champions new music that challenges conventions. Since 2007, she has been integral to Guerilla Opera’s leadership, steering the progressive ensemble to 40 new operas with roles tailor-made for her ferocious theatrical abilities. She also co-directs Bahué with percussionist Ariel Campos, an emerging duo that celebrates Latin culture through music. Aliana's artistry has enchanted esteemed stages nationwide with progressive organizations and contributed to many commercial recordings on PARMA Recordings, BMOP Sound, and independent labels. Her versatile artistry goes as far as television, guest-starring on ABC’s crime series “Body of Proof”.
This Latina arts leader is a passionate mentor who offers one-on-one mentorship through Guerilla Opera’s summer programs, and has led masterclasses, lectured, and participated in panels at institutions throughout the country. An accomplished voice teacher, she directs the award-winning Dirty Paloma Voice Studio and serves on the voice faculty at the Community Music School of Springfield, MA. Her journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a mystical dedication to crafting transformative art that enriches lives, transcends boundaries, and resonates deeply within the hearts of audiences worldwide. (alianadelaguardia.com/bio)
