It happened again! –– over the past few weeks I wrote seven new arrangements for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel as part of California Festival‘s “Cantos en Resistencia” program that was performed last night.

As part of this program, I was reunited with Ely Guerra for whom I wrote some of my very first arrangements 13 years ago with Alondra de la Parra, and met for the first time the legendary Lila Downs for whom I wrote an arrangement for an album last year (also with Alondra).

This was my first time working with Monsieur Periné and Ana Tijoux, and the very futuristic sound of Goyo.

As far as the orchestra — what can be said? This is such a friendly place to make music. Want to use an E-flat clarinet? no problem. Want to use a drum machine live instead of acoustic percussion? No problem. Want the orchestra to clap in the middle of a song? No problem — everything done with genuine enthusiasm and great spirit. I love this group and everything it brings out in the music, and in the audience.

It was a great night.

#graciasvida #laphil #gustavodudamel #goyo #elyguerra #waltdisneyhall #losangelesphilharmonic #dtla #music #orchestra #gratitude #legendary