Juan Jose Castro- (1895-1968)

He began his musical education in Buenos Aires studying piano, violin and harmony each with its own teacher. He continued his studies in Paris after earning the Europa Prize studying composition with d’Indy and piano with Risler. In 1926 he founded the Quartet Society. He then began his conducting career in 1928 with the Renacimiento Chamber Orchestra. He became conductor and then director of the Teatro Colon within three years. He conducted the Havana PO (1947), SODRE SO Uruguay (1949-1951), the Melbourne (1952-1953) and the Argentine national SO (1956-1960). He taught at the National Music Academy and became dean of studies at the Puerto Rico Conservatory (1959-1964).

He belonged to organizations that included: the Argentine League of Composers, the national Academy of Fine Arts and the directorate of the National Arts foundation. He received an award and international fame when Ansermet conducted the Allegro lente e vivace at the ISCM Festival. He received his first international award in 1954. He composed four operas with one being kept from Teatro Colon for political reasons until 1958. Most of his operas covered important topics to Castro. Bodas de sangre reflected Castro’s attraction to Spanish music and subjects. His other opera La consecha negra was composed as his declaration against political doctrines that ignore the rights of others.

Discography:

Olna Nocturna(2012). Company: CEMCA Records

Latin American Orchestra Works(2011). Company: Chandos Records

Bibliography:

Oxford University Press (2007-2012). Information Retrieved from: http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com.ezproxy.lib.umb.edu/subscriber/article/grove/music/44159pg2?q=juan+jose+castro&hbutton_search.x=0&hbutton_search.y=0&hbutton_search=search&source=omo_t237&source=omo_gmo&source=omo_t114&search=quick&pos=1&_start=1#firsthit