Meet Ana Vázquez-Landeros
How do you incorporate traditional Hispanic music elements or motifs into your compositions, and how do you balance preserving these traditions with creating innovative and contemporary music?
So far, not in the way of using traditional instruments or harmonies. Rhythm has always been the first element that comes to mind in my compositional process and I think that stems from my upbringing as a Mexican ballet folklorico dancer. I also have always been fascinated by the dramatic storytelling arcs of Mexican urban legends from my family’s region of Zacatecas. The combination of both those elements influences my approach in scoring music. I like to think I am preserving those traditions in my artistic process or at least until I am given the opportunity to truly showcase my Mexican heritage on a project.
Can you share a project you’ve worked on that you are particularly proud of?
I was invited by my friend Jorge Vázquez to help prepare scores for Mexican singer Lupita Infante and her LA Phil “Neighborhood Concert” performances. Combining my childhood upbringing as a mariachi violinist into the classical space of the LA Phil was a complete dream for me (I originally started my musical journey as a classically trained clarinetist). I never imagined I would return to my folkloric background for an artist whose family I grew up listening to.
Who inspires you?
I am a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, my parents inspire me to pursue goals and stand true to values in the face of fear and discrimination. With love and passion deeply integrated in my culture, I see myself as a continuation of their hard work and sacrifices in pursuing the American dream. Although I didn’t come from a musical family, my parent’s immediate support and belief in my goals gave me an understanding of fearlessness in my upbringing. Because of this, I wrote my orchestral score “Perspective of You” as a representation of their life story and how I see my parent’s courage and determination within me and my brother. Words truly fail to describe their influence on me.
In what ways do you think being a part of the CDC has helped you grow professionally or personally?
I actually got my first job because of the CDC network and I continue to be very grateful for that. Since moving to LA, I was able to meet amazing new friends through mixers and workshops hosted by the collective which was such an important part of finding my community away from home. For example, from a CDC christmas party, my new friend Jess invited me to a weekly Marvel movie night which was the best welcome ever in finding my place in LA. I also got to participate in the CDC Mixing Workshop which was a great introduction into working with a score mixer for the very first time. Personally and professionally, I have a lot to thank for in the way the CDC has helped me grow these past two years and I am optimistic for whatever comes next.