Ana Gabriela Fernández
Two canons. Mexican piano music from the 20th and 21st centuries
Works by Conlon Nancarrow, Jaime Wolfson, Diana Syrse, Aquiles Lázaro, Manuel M. Ponce and others
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 — 19:30 h.
Kleiner Ehrbar Saal. Mühlgasse 30, 1040 Vienna
Free entry – donations welcome
P R O G R A M
Presentation
Spanning a century of piano writing, this program moves from late Romantic and folklorically influenced idioms to post-tonal and experimental approaches. It highlights aesthetic shifts and technical innovation, including recent works by Vienna-based composers Jaime Wolfson and Aquiles Lázaro. The selection offers a rare opportunity to hear in Vienna what is arguably Conlon Nancarrow’s most formidable piano work (for human performer, of course): the Two Canons for Ursula.
The recital is a collaboration between the music publisher sur – editores de música contemporánea, the Embassy of Mexico in Austria, and the Instituto Cultural de México en Viena. A brief introduction will be given by representatives from the partner institutions.
Concert
Manuel M. Ponce (1882-1948):
Intermezzo no. 1 (1909) – 4'
Miguel Bernal Jiménez (1910-1956):
Selections from suite Carteles (1952) – 5'
1. Volantín
2. Danza maya
3. Noche
Alicia Urreta (1930-1986):
Salmodia I (1971) – 7'
Conlon Nancarrow (1912-1997):
Two canons for Ursula (1988) – 13'
Erick Tapia (1991):
Solipsismo (2019) – 9'
Diana Syrse (1984):
Scratch Cat! (2013) – 6'
Jaime Wolfson (1974):
Zeitfilter (2019) – 5'
Aquiles Lázaro (1989):
El grupo (2022) – 10'
Duration: approx. 65 minutes
Ana Gabriela Fernández, piano
Born in Habana, Cuba, Ana Gabriela Fernández is a Mexican pianist known for her refined approach and strong commitment to contemporary music. She has premiered works by leading composers from Mexico and Latin America, while maintaining a repertoire that spans the 20th century to the most current creations. Her playing is marked by formal clarity, timbral sensitivity, and a quietly powerful expressiveness. With a growing presence on the international stage, specially in the USA, Canada and Latin America, Fernández collaborates closely with ensembles, cultural institutions, and publishers dedicated to new music.
