Washington Post Feature

Jan 22 2022

so honored to be featured on the Washington Post' 22 for ’22: Composers and performers to watch this year.

"B-sides" premiere

Jan 27 2022

"B-sides" from 2018 is premiering on January 27 by the nice Orquesta Sinfónica de Colombia and Carlos Ágrega, conducting.

Basel Sinfonietta performs "Detrás de un muro de ilusiones"

Oct 5 2021

"Detrás de un muro de ilusiones" is having its Swiss premiere by the cool Basel Sinfonietta.

WDR Sinfonieorchester performs "Detrás de un muro de ilusiones"

May 8 2021

Amazingly performed, and video recorded by the WDR Sinfonieorchester and Baldur Bronnimann.

James joins Schott PSYN

Jan 21 2021

Honored for joining Schott PSNY!
Since now, Schott administrates and publishes my chamber works worldwide.

National Sawdust's Discovery Festival

Aug 24 2020

Excited to be one of the winners of the National Sawdust's Digital Discovery Festival New Works Commission. Looking forward to writing a new piece for National Sawdust Ensemble.

"her letters" digital premiere

Aug 06 2020

"her letters" for solo violin was composed as part of the #GLFCAMGigThruCOVID digital World Premieres.
"her letters" was recorded at home by Julia Suh.

"Never was the way" on scorefollower

Mar 02 2020

"Never was the way" for amplified ensemble was selected as one of the followMyScore 2019 Call for Works. The piece was premiered by TAK Ensemble + cellist Meaghan Burke on March 23, 2019, at the ARCH, UPenn.

"Mirrors in the voids" review

Feb 28 2020

The piece was reviewed by composer/writer Itza Garcia, to be included in the special edition of the magazine "La palabra y el hombre" was made to celebrate the 90th year anniversary of the Xalapa Symphony, who did the Mexican premiere of my work "Mirrors in the voids".

nomusic21

Feb 12 2020

Two of my orchestral works are featured now on the Vienna-based portal, "nomus21."
It seeks out and presents symphonic music by living composers. Check it out!

"RETRO" premiere by Medellin Phil

Nov 23 2019

Last but not least concert as the 2019 composer-in-residence for the Medellin Philharmonic. The orchestra will be performing my 25-minute long piece "RETRO". I'll be again performing the electronics on stage. The program includes Beethoven's Triple Concerto and Dvorak's Symphony 9.

"Infrastructures" for string quartet

Nov 14 2019

Member of the Medellin Phil will be performing my second string quartet "INFRASTRUCTURES". The program includes Beethoven's Symphony 1. On this occasion, the audience will be sitting very close to the orchestra, and also the full orchestra will be on the stage during the performance. Such a cool idea! I wish I could be there!

Tour in Germany with Apply Triangle

Oct 24 2019

Apply Triangle's program, New York Counterpoint includes several pieces for flute, clarinet, piano, and electronics. I'm so glad I'll be touring with this amazing ensemble and group of friends.
Tour: New York, Magdeburg (SinusTon Festival), Weimar, Leipzig, and Dresden.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

"Behind a wall of illusion" Colombian premiere

Oct 10 2019

Medellin Phil will be performing my recent orchestral piece "Behind a Wall of Illusions". The program includes Beethoven's Symphony 8.

Colombian Composers Collective (C3) in Austin

Sep 20 2019

The inaugural concert of the Colombian Composers Collective (C3) will take place in Austin. Glad to be working with the ensemble, Hear No Evil. The program will include pieces by Sergio Cote, Diana Rodriguez, Felipe Henao, Nicola Aguia, Jose Martinez, and myself. The concert was possible thanks to the Rainwater Innovation Grant. The University of Texas at Austin. Stay tuned for more about our collective.

"Azul" for orchestra and Medellin Phil

Aug 03 2019

"Azul", the second movement of my concerto for orchestra and electronics, will be pre-premiered by the Medellin Philharmonic, with Colombian conductor Juan Pablo Valencia. The first time ever I'll be performing electronics on stage! The program includes Beethoven's Symphony 5 and Strauss' Horn Concerto with outstanding Stefan Dohr.

"Behind a wall of illusion" premiered by Orchestra of St. Luke's

Jul 19 2019

The inaugural DeGaetano Composition Institute culminated with world premieres for chamber orchestra by participants Viet Cuong, José Martinez, Liza Sobel and myself.

"CADENZA" for orchestra, Colombian premiere

Jun 01 2019

So excited for my inaugural concert as the 2019 composer-in-residence for the Medellin Philharmonic. The orchestra will be performing my piece "CADENZA". The Brazilian conductor Alexandra Arrieche will be conducting. The program includes Higdon's Percussion Concerto and Villalobos' Bachianna No. 7.

"Mirrors in the void" by Xalapa Symphony

April 05 2019

So excited for the upcoming Mexican premiere of my piece "Mirrors in the Void" (2017) by the Orquesta Sinfónica de Xalapa and maestro Eduardo Leandro
What a cool program: Xenakis' "Peaux, de Pleyares"&nbsp;and Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring."

2019 composer-in-residence for Medellin Phil

Jan 28 2019

So thrilled to be selected the 2019 composer-in-residence for the Medellin Philharmonic. The roles include composing a large piece, "Concerto for orchestra and electronics", and programming another orchestral and chamber pieces, plus workshops and lectures in the city of Medellin.

Orchestra of St. Luke's DeGaetano Composition Institute

Jan 22 2019

As part of the institute, I will write a new piece for the Orchestra of Saint Luke's to be performed at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music, New York City on July 19th.

Bogotá Philharmonic Prize: "Frack[in]g" for orchestra

Nov 02 2018

So thrilled to be awarded with the Bogotá Philharmonic Prize in Composition for my recent piece, Frack[in]g for orchestra. The premiere will take place in 2019.

multimedia opera "Simulacrum" Premiere

Jun 08 2018

"Simulacrum" was premiered in the 3LD Arts &amp; Technology Center.
Featuring music by Peter Kramer, Yangzhi Ma, Meng Wang, Longfei Li, Reiko Fueting, and James Diaz. Librettist Marianna Staroselsky.

Nicolas Flagello Award and Saul Braverman Award

May 11 2018

So thrilled to be awarded the Nicolas Flagello Award and the Saul Braverman Award for outstanding achievement in n Composition and Music Theory, respectively, by the Manhattan School of Music.

Graduate Recital at MSM

May 05 2018

I'm so glad to invite you all to an evening of my music. One hour of music, four pieces and around twenty great and cool musicians.
Please join us!

"Saturn Lights" percussion concerto: CD Release

Feb 03 2018

The Colombian Ministry of Culture has released the CD National Prizes in Composition 2015-16, featuring James' Concerto for percussion trio and orchestra, "Saturn Lights".

Composer Fellow for The Loretto Project, Longleash Trio

Apr 20 2018

Selected composer fellow for the Loretto Project 2018. I'll write a new piece for Longleash. Very looking forward to meeting Kate Sope and the other fellow composers"

"INFRASTRUCTURES" for string quartet at MSM

Mar 27 2018

MSM composers concert:
"INFRASTRUCTURES" for string quartet. Greenfield Hall, MSM

Molly Germer, violin
Julia Suh, violin
Lena Vidulich, viola
Thea Mesirow, cello

THROUGH THE NOISE Concert at Opera America

Mar 05 2018

THROUGH THE NOISE Contemporary Concert Series II at Opera America, NYC. "A song for" for solo violin, premiered by Julia Suh.

"CADENZA" premiered by the MSM Composers' Orchestra

Feb 16 2018

"CADENZA" for orchestra was based on the Riverside Church Tower's structural design. The piece is dedicated to Reiko Fueting.
Performed by the Manhattan School of Music Composers Orchestra, conducted by Maestro George Manahan

"Eclosion", for orchestra: CD Digital Release

Feb 02 2018

CD New Colombian Music for Orchestra, Vol 6 by the EAFIT Symphony Orchestra.
Cecilia Espinosa, conducting.
"Eclosion" (2014)

Frances Richard Fellow at GLFCAM

Jan 28 2018

Composer selected for the 2018 programs of the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music. Composition fellows will be working with Grammy-nominated duo ZOFO to create original new music over the span of this year with onsite readings and master classes provided in beautiful Boonville, CA, San Francisco, and Columbia, South Carolina.

"Simulacrum" multimedia opera: Official Trailer

Dec 15 2017

A collective of composers, musicians, choreographers, and visual artists, Path New Music Theater, curates and produces contemporary new media theater.
Our first project, Simulacrum is an opera based on the libretto Loved for parts by playwright Marianna Staroseklsky.

"Mirrors in the Void" by the Nashville Symphony

Nov 14 2017

Nashville Symphony Composer Lab &amp; Workshop 2017.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor.
Aaron Kernis, Program Director.

"Orion III" USA Premiere

Nov 14 2017

Concert Band, the State University of New York at Fredonia. Raymond Stewart, conductor.

"INFRASTRUCURES" for string quartet: Premiere

Oct 16 2017

THROUGH THE NOISE, composers
Riverside Church Hall
Molly Germer, violin
Julia Jung Un, violin
Jay Julio, viola
Thea Mesirow, cello

"Mirrors in the Void" selected by the Nashville Symphony

Jul 03 2017

Nashville Symphony Composer Lab Workshop 2017 (Next November, TN)
Giancarlo Guerrero, Conductor.
Aaron Kernis, Program Director and Jury Chairman.

"From Infinity" with the ACO

Jun 23 2017

26th Annual Underwood New Music Readings.
American Composers Orchestra. George Manahan, Music Director and conductor.
Cary Hall at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music.

Premonicion (Film score), at Huesca Festival

Jun 18 2017

Huesca Festival, Spain.
Cacho Pallero Award.
Premonicion, short film by Leticia Akel Escarate, Director.

Underwood New Music Readings: Composer Spotlight

Jun 21 2017

"From Infinity" for orchestra,
American Composers Orchestra's Underwood New Music Reading.

"From Infinity" selected by the American Composers Orchestra

May 12 2017

American Composers Orchestra's Underwood New Music Readings.
The DiMenna Center for Classical Music.

History Forum: "Mirrors in the Void"

May 18 2017

Talk about compositional process, notation and indeterminacy in
Mirrors in the Void for Orchestra.
National University of Colombia

"But space is not mere emptiness" performed at Bossi-Comelli Hall

Apr 23 2017

For Marimba and electronics
Performed by Caitlin Cawley.
Electronic Music Concert
Bossi-Comelli Hall.
Manhattan School of Music

"INFRASTRUCURES" for string quartet: Second place, Manhattan Prize

Apr 06 2017

Second Place and Honorable

Premiere "Infinity Lines"

Apr 04 2017

Infinity Lines for flute and piano.
Leia Slosberg, flute and Brian Daurelle, piano.
Composers Concert
Miller Hall. Manhattan School Of Music.

Premiere "REFERENCE" for orchestra

Mar 24 2017

"REFERENCE" for orchestra. National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia's Platform 28.
Baldur Brohnnimann, conducting.
Fabio Lozano Hall, Bogota.

"Mirrors in Void" selected by the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia

Mar 01 2017

Young Colombian Composers Workshop: Plataforma 28-2017.
Mirrors in the Void for Orchestra.

"Eclosion" recorded by the EAFIT Symphony Orchestra

Jan 28 2017

"Eclosion" for Orchestra
Recording Session
EAFIT Symphony Orchestra. Cecilia Espinosa, conducting.
CD: New Colombia Music for Orchestra 2017.

CD Release: Composers of the National Conservatory of Colombia

Jan 13 2017

New Music Ensemble,
National University of Colombia.
Lienzo - Eliana Echeverry
Tres Aforismos - José Guillermo Martínez
Dinámicas de un meteorito - James Diaz
Cavatina - Gustavo Parra
Petits entreteniments subtils - Moises Bertrán

Composition Forum at MSM

Nov 03 2016

Talk about form, orchestration and process of "Catarsis" for orchestra
Manhattan School of Music.

Sponsorship by the Banco de la Republica de Colombia

Jun 14 2016

Selected the winner of the Young Music Talents 2016 by the Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
Read the interview (Spanish).

Composer Portrait

Mar 15 2016

Talk about compositional process and influences.
Universidad Distrial FJC.

Orchestration Forum

May 06 2016

Talk about compositional process of Concerto for Percussion Trio and Orchestra.
Orchestration vs. Composition.
Javeriana University

Premiere "Lines of Acid Dreams"

Dec 17 2015

by Camará Ensemble
Commissioned work for
Closing Concert of Música de Agora na Bahia-Brazil.

Recording "Saturn Lights"

Dec 09 2015

Concerto for percussion trio and orchestra, Saturn Lights. Recording Session.
Mateo Sepulveda, conducting.
REC Symphony
Javeriana University

Coral and Symphony Composition Award: &quot;Stories and Shadows&quot;

Nov 16 2015

Coral and Symphony Composition Award by the Bogotá Philharmonic
Stories and Shadows fWind Ensemble

Premiere "Floating Mirrors"

Nov 13 2015

Young Performers Series 2015. Camilo Chaparro, cello and Sebastian Avendaño, piano. Luis Ángel Arango Hall, Bogota.

National Prize of Music in Composition

Julio 31 2015

by the Ministry of Culture of Colombia for his Concerto for percussion trio and orchestra

Premiere "Orión III" for Large Wind Ensemble

May 07 2015

Opening Concert of Contemporary Music Festival of Pereira. Wind Ensemble of Pereira, and Mateo Sepulveda, conductor.

Latin-American Composition Prize Piero Bastianelli

Apr 12 2015

Mention of honor and commission of new chamber music work.

Premiere: "Sidereal Inflections" commissioned by the DUO Percutrom

Nov 26 2014

Sidereal Inflections for trumpet and vibraphone

Commisioned by the DUO Percutrom, Juan Fernando Avendaño, trumpet and Gabriel Galvis, vibraphone
Olav Roots Hall

Selected on Plataforma 28-2014

Nov 24 2014

by National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia for his work "Reflections of a Radioactive Sky" for orchestra.
Thomas Goldka, conducting.
Reading Sessions of New Colombian Composers, Platform 28.

Premiere "Eclosión" for Orchestra

Jul 23 2014

The reopening of the Colón Theatre. National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia. Claudio Cruz (Brazil), Conducting.

National Prize of Music in Composition for the Reopening of Teatro Colón

Jul 31 2015

by the Ministry of Culture of Colombia, Teatro Colón, National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia for his piece Eclosión

Percussion Trio Comissioned by the International Winter Festival of Campos do Jordao

Apr 25 2014

Commissioned by International Winter Festival of Campos do Jordao and Symphony Orchestra of Sau Paulo (OSESP). Percussion Ensemble of Festival.
Eduardo Leandro (Brazil), Conductor.

Premiere "Catarsis" for orchestra

Nov 29 2013

"Catarsis" for orchestra
National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia,
Alejandro Posada, conducting.
Young Colombian Composers Workshop: Platform 28-2013.
Fabio Lozano Hall.

"Concerto for Orchestra" Second Place, Bogotá Philharmonic's Composition Prize

Oct 31 2013

Ivory Tower, Concerto for Orchestra. Second Place and Honorable Mention
National Composition Prize 2013. Bogotá Philharmonic.

Selected on Plataforma 28-2013

Sep 01 2013

by National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia for his work Catarsis for Orchestra.

Reading Sessions of New Colombian Composers: Platform 28.

Composition Prize: International Winter Festival of Campos do Jordao

Jul 23 2013

Composition Prize of the International Winter Festival of Campos do Jordao 2013.
Dynamics of a Meteorite for string quartet

Fellowship: International Winter Festival of Campos do Jordao

Jul 23 2013

International Winter Festival of Campos do Jordao 2013.
Fundation OSESP
Kalevi Aho (Finland), composer in residence.