National Sawdust's Discovery Festival
August 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
August 06, 2020
"her letters" for solo violin was composed as part of the #GLFCAMGigThruCOVID digital World Premieres.
Each composition was donated especially for this cause by GLFCAM alumni to be premiered by solos, duos, or quartets of performers. Each pairing worked together on the piece while sheltering at home across the United States and abroad.
"her letters" was recorded at home by Julia Suh.
"Never was the way" on scorefoller
March 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
February 28, 2020
This beautiful and 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" under maestro Eduardo Leandro.
The piece was reviewed by composer/writer Itza Garcia, who remarks on the importance of performing the music of our time/place.
celebrate the 90th year anniversary of the Xalapa Symphony, who did the Mexican premiere thanks to maestro
.
nomusic21
February 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
November 23, 2019
Last but 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
November 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
October 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.
"Behind a wall of illusion", Colombian premiere
October 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
September 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 by The University of Texas at Austin. Stay tuned for more about our collective.
"Azul" for orchestra and Medellin Phil
August 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
July 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
June 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 conducting.
What a cool program: Xenakis' "Peaux, de Pleyares" and Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring."
2019 composer-in-residence for Medellin Phil
January 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
January 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 The DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City on July 19th
Bogotá Philharmonic Prize: Frack[in]g for orchestra
November 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
June 08, 2018
"Simulacrum" was premiered in the 3LD Arts & Technology Center.
Featuring music by Peter Kramer, Yangzhi Ma, Meng Wang, Longfei Li, Reiko Fueting, and James Diaz.
Librettist Marianna Staroselsky, director Arthur Makaryan, projectionist Wenqi Eric Li, sound designer Jacob Sachs-Mishalanie, vocalists Lucy Dhegrae, Nathaniel Sullivan, and Nina Dante.
Pierre Lidar, photography.
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! More
"Saturn Lights", percussion concerto: CD Release
February 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".
To listen to
Electronic Music Concert at MSM
April 20, 2018
Electronic Music Concert At Miller Hall, Manhattan School of Music.
"false/six/states/interludes/and" for bass flute, piccolo, and electronics, premiered by Paul Mizzi.
"INFRASTRUCTURES" for string quartet at MSM
March 27, 2018
MSM composers concert:
"INFRASTRUCTURES" for string quartet at Greenfield Hall, MSM.
Molly Germer, violin 1
Julia Suh, violin 2
Lena Vidulich, viola
Thea Mesirow, cello
THROUGH THE NOISE Concert at Opera America
March 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
February 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.
video
"Eclosion", for orchestra: CD Digital Release
February 02, 2018
CD New Colombian Music for Orchestra, Vol 6 by the EAFIT Symphony Orchestra.
Cecilia Espinosa, conducting.
featuring James' piece "Eclosion" (2014).
Frances Richard Fellow at GLFCAM
January 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.
to know more
"Simulacrum", multimedia opera: Official Trailer
December 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, to be premiered in the Spring of 2018.
This project features the music of 6 different composers as well as choreographers and visual artists, a collaborative effort that will run together to create a single narrative about a woman who is struggling with the loss of her leg and the acceptance of a new prosthesis.
"Mirrors in the Void" by the Nashville Symphony
November 14, 2017
Nashville Symphony Composer Lab & Workshop 2017
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Giancarlo Guerrero, Conductor,
Aaron Kernis, Program Director.
"Orion III": USA Premiere
November 14, 2017
Concert Band, the State University of New York at Fredonia
Raymond Stewart, director.
To watch live stream of the concert Here
"INFRASTRUCURES" for string quartet: Premiere
October 16, 2017
THROUGH THE NOISE, composers collective
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
July 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
June 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
June 18, 2017
Huesca Festival, Spain.
Cacho Pallero Award
Premonicion, short film by Leticia Akel Escarate, Director.
Underwood New Music Readings: Composer Spotlight
June 21, 2017
Q&A about From Infinity for orchestra
American Composers Orchestra's 2017 Underwood New Music Readings
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
"From Infinity" selected by the American Composers Orchestra
May 12, 2017
American Composers Orchestra's 2017 Underwood New Music Readings
The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
"But space is not mere emptiness" performed at Bossi-Comelli Hall
April 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
April 06, 2017
Second Place and Honorable Mention
Manhattan Prize 2017
Premiere: "Infinity Lines"
April 04, 2017
Infinity Lines for flute and piano
Leia Slosberg, flute and Brian Daurelle, piano.
Composers Concert
Miller Hall
Manhattan School Of Music
Premiere: "Mirrors in Void"
March 24, 2017
Mirrors in the Void for Orchestra
National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia
Jose Luis Dominguez, conducting
Young Colombian Composers Workshop, Plataform 28-2017
Fabio Lozano Hall
"Mirrors in Void" selected by the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia
March 01, 2017
Young Colombian Composers Workshop, Plataforma 28-2017.
Mirrors in the Void for Orchestra
"Eclosion" recorded by the EAFIT Symphony Orchestra
January 28, 2017
Eclosion for Orchestra
Recording Session
EAFIT Symphony Orchestra
Cecilia Espinosa, conductor
CD: New Colombia Music for Orchestra 2017
U
CD Release: Composers of the National Conservatory of Colombia
January 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
"Empty Room" Performed at Miller Hall
December 05, 2016
Empty Room for four speakers
Electronic Music Concert
Miller Hall
Manhattan School of Music
Composition Forum at MSM
November 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
June 14, 2016
Selected the winner of the Young Music Talents 2016 by the Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
Orchestration Forum
May 06, 2016
Talk about compositional process of Concerto for Percussion Trio and Orchestra
Orchestration vs. Composition.
Javeriana University
Composer Portrait
March 15, 2016
Talk about compositional process and influences.
Universidad Distrial FJC.
Premiere: "Lines of Acid Dreams"
December 17, 2015
by Camará Ensemble
Commissioned work for
Closing Concert of Música de Agora na Bahia-Brazil.
Recording Session: "Saturn Lights"
December 09, 2015
Concerto for percussion trio and orchestra, Saturn Lights
Recording Session
Mateo Sepulveda, conducting
REC Symphony
Javeriana University
U
Coral and Symphony Composition Award: "Stories and Shadows"
November 16, 2015
Coral and Symphony Composition Award by the Bogotá Philharmonic
40x40 Program
Stories and Shadows for Wind Ensemble
Premiere: "Floating Mirrors"
November 13, 2015
Young Performers Series 2015
Camilo Chaparro, Cello
Sebastian Avendaño, Piano
Luis Ángel Arango Hall
New work finished: "Lines of Acid Dreams"
September 14, 2015
Commissioned by Camará Ensemble and MAB
Brazil
National Prize of Music in Composition
July 31, 2015
by the Ministry of Culture of Colombia for his
Triple Percussion Concerto
Premiere: "Orión III" for Large Wind Ensemble
May 07, 2015
Opening Concert of Contemporary Music Festival of Pereira
Wind Ensemble of Pereira
Mateo Sepulveda, Conductor
Latin-American Composition Prize Piero Bastianelli
April 12, 2015
Mention of honor and commision of new chamber music work
Premiere: "Sidereal Inflections" commissioned by the DUO Percutrom
November 26, 2014
Sidereal Inflections for trumpet and vibraphone
Commisioned by the DUO Percutrom
Juan Fernando Avendaño, trumpet
Gabriel Galvis, vibraphone
Olav Roots Hall
Selected on Plataforma 28-2014
November 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, Plataforma 28.
Premiere: "Eclosión" for Orchestra
July 23, 2014
The reopening of the Colón Theatre
National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia
Claudio Cruz (Brazil), Conductor
Premiere: "Cristales de Mercurio" for Percussion Trio
July 21, 2014
Commisioned by International Winter Festival of Campos do Jordao
Percussion Ensemble of Festival
Eduardo Leandro (Brazil), Conductor
National Prize of Music in Composition for the Reopening of Teatro Colón
June 27, 2014
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