Christian Alejandro Cherubini-Suarez’s musical journey is one of transformation and passion. Originally pursuing mechanical engineering, Christian discovered his true calling for music composition during his second semester of college. Now a double major in viola performance and composition at Jacksonville University, his recent work, A Bard’s Tale, premiered at the prestigious Eastern Music Festival (EMF) this summer, marking a major milestone in his burgeoning career. This press release highlights Christian’s transition from engineering to composing, the inspiration behind his work, and his invaluable experiences at EMF that have shaped his future as a composer.
Christian’s journey as a composer is as inspiring as his music. Originally from Venezuela, Christian moved to the U.S. in 2017. Now 23, he is a student at Jacksonville University in Florida, double majoring in viola performance and music composition. His path to composition was not straightforward; he initially pursued a degree in mechanical engineering alongside viola performance. However, a chance encounter with composition lessons during his second semester sparked a passion that led him to fully embrace his love for music, leaving behind his engineering studies saying “I decided I’m not really going to do anything with a mechanical engineering degree because I just want to do music”.
Christian’s dedication to his craft is evident in his composition, “A Bard’s Tale.” This piece, a five-movement suite set in the medieval ages for flute, harp, viola, and percussion, tells a story of adventure and romance. The journey begins with the bard traveling to a town in hopes of finding love and gaining fame. However, in order to reach the town, he must cross through a perilous forest where he then gets lost. After some time, he comes across a young lady who guides him to the nearby city. As the bard navigates his growing feelings for his guide, the suite captures his emotional turmoil and ultimate confession of love. The movements, titled “Forest,” “Courtly Love,” “Infatuation,” “Hope,” and “Felicity,” mirror the bard’s internal and external adventures, blending narrative and melody ultimately ending with a “Happy Ever After”.
The orchestration of “A Bard’s Tale” is both intricate and evocative, featuring a range of percussion instruments that add depth and texture to the medieval setting. Christian’s innovative use of instruments like the frame drum, castanets, and wood guiro brings an authentic medieval color to the piece, enhancing its storytelling.
Christian’s composition was performed at the Eastern Music Festival, a significant milestone in his career. The performance was a testament to his talent and the support of his mentors and fellow musicians. ‘I got amazing musicians…the first rehearsal, everything was almost concert ready,’ Christian said, highlighting the exceptional skills of the performers. Despite the challenges of limited rehearsals, the piece came together beautifully, showcasing Christian’s ability to bring his musical vision to life.
Reflecting on his journey, Christian acknowledges the invaluable experiences and mentorship he has received at the festival. He shares his journey in getting his composition on the radar of the festival saying “The second day that we got here, I just jumped right in. Like, ‘hey, by the way, I also put in this box that I have this chamber piece. I’m also a composer. I wrote it. It’s this and this and this.’…But it was also thanks to Dan and Chi that helped me with that, too, a lot. I mentioned it, and it was thanks to them that it happened”. The exposure to diverse repertoires and the opportunity to work with experienced musicians have been instrumental in his growth, “Composing has been great because I have just gotten to hear a lot of music that I wouldn’t be able to hear on a regular basis at my university. Lots of repertoire that I wouldn’t have learned if I hadn’t heard them here.” he shares. His time at EMF has not only honed his composition skills but also deepened his understanding of the collaborative nature of music.
Christian’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. His journey from a mechanical engineering student to a celebrated composer is a powerful reminder that following one’s passion can lead to extraordinary achievements. “A Bard’s Tale” is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career in music composition.
Listen to “A Bards Tale” here: https://bit.ly/4d5IqmM
Planning for the 64th season of the Eastern Music Festival is already in progress. Stayed tuned for very special announcements this Fall. For more information about the festival, please visit easternmusicfestival.org.
By: Frida Garcia, 2024 EMF Media & Communications Associate