ERIC ESTRADA VALADEZ
Composer

Overture 2024 draws inspiration from Reynier Leyva Novo's "Former Present Today," originally displayed at the Blaffer Museum in Houston. Novo's work delves into themes of resistance, patriotism, identity, and nationalism. The collaboration resulted in a piece that, much like the hero-villain plot archetype, presents a narrative of conflicting forces through overlaid or juxtaposed musical themes. Similar to superhero stories, this composition utilizes symbols, such as a quote from Tchaikovsky's Overture 1812, as a universal storytelling language. Additionally, by incorporating non-classical elements like rock and Latin music, the piece offers a fresh, contemporary perspective on Tchaikovsky's original work.

Commissioned by the MUSIQA, the Blaffer Museum and the Cynthia Woods Mitchel Center for the Arts.

Performance History:​

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Premiered at University of Houston Dudely Hall by MUSIQA on February of 2024​