Tania León

Kate Molleson explores the life and music of Tania León in conversation with the composer herself. Born in Cuba and later settling in the United States, León has built an international career as a composer, conductor, educator and advocate for new music. From her early musical experiences in Havana and the influence of Cuban culture, to her work in New York's dance community and collaborations with performers around the world, León reflects on the people, places and ideas that have shaped her creative life. Along the way, she discusses encounters with figures including Nelson Mandela, Marian Anderson, Leonard Bernstein and Conlon Nancarrow, as well as the experiences that have informed a body of work spanning orchestral, chamber, vocal and stage music.

Presented by Kate Molleson

Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Audio Wales

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Tania León: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0032fwy

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

Music featured includes:
Parajota Delaté
Rituál
Haiku
Chan Chan
Batá
Homage to Prokofiev
Batéy
Journey
Ajiaco
Carabalí
Oh Yemanja (Mother's Prayer) from Scourge of Hyacinths
Singin' Sepia (Five Songs on Poems by Rita Dove)
Saóko
Horizons
De Memorias
Tumbao
Esencia
Rondó a la Criolla
Alma
Inura (Understanding)
A tres voces
Bailarín
Pasajes
Zero Plus Anything
Homenatge
Stride
Elegia a Paul Robeson
Raíces (Origins)