We remember Dr. Jose-Luis Maurtua, who was Director of Orchestra Studies and Professor of Composition at the Central Michigan University School of Music. He passed away on May 7, 2022. He was loved and respected by many, many students, colleagues, friends and family for his passion and knowledge of music, and for his quiet warmth, kindness and generosity.
This episode of Central Stage features selections from a concert presented October 11, 2018 in Staples Family Concert Hall by the CMU Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr. Jose-Luis Maurtua.
The program features Latin-style music including the Concerto for Flute, Strings and Percussion composed and performed by former CMU graduate student Nicolas Real. Uirapuru (The Magic Bird) by Heitor Villa-Lobos, evokes the composer’s native Brazil, and for the concert’s finale the audience participates in two lively Mambos by Damaso Perez-Prado, arranged by Dr. Maurtua. Central Stage host Dr. Sue Gamble talks with Dr. Maurtua about the music and its “backstories.”
