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)