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Every time I’ve come to the Estate, I have felt a mixture of excitement and humility. Its historical significance and the breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings offer an inspiring backdrop that fuels my connection to the past and shapes my artistic vision for the future. The first time I walked into the Stone House’s Great Hall, its elegance and sheer beauty ignited my imagination, transporting me to a time when lively conversations and enchanting music filled the air during intimate gatherings. It’s as if the room itself holds echoes of those moments, allowing me almost to glimpse the vibrant scenes that once unfolded there.
Learning about Deering’s connection with Spanish arts and his immersive travels, inspired me to delve even deeper into his life and legacy. I was drawn to ponder not only the music that likely resonated through the halls of the Estate itself, what melodies and rhythms filled the air during those gatherings, but also the melodies that graced Deering’s ears during his Spanish sojourns – which songs accompanied him on his journeys through the Spanish landscapes? I found myself captivated by the idea of unearthing and presenting a repertoire of Cantes de Ida y Vuelta, which literally means roundtrip songs, and refers to a group of flamenco musical forms or ‘palos’ with a clear Hispano-American origin, created mainly at the second part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th. This concept embodies the fascinating musical exchanges between Spain and its far-reaching colonies, encapsulating the spirit of cultural interplay, adaptation, and evolution. The idea is to create an imaginary soundtrack of sorts, to recreate that history and to present a series of concerts at the Estate celebrating Charles Deering’s love for Spain and its art, as well as his interactions with artists and musicians of the region. I envision Cantes de Ida y Vuelta as a soundtrack of his extensive travels throughout Spain, incorporating visual elements such as photographs and/or artifacts into the concert performance. For this purpose, I am working very closely with the Deering Estate staff and the invaluable community of local musicians.
Parallel to this research of Cantes de Ida y Vuelta, I have curated and performed several concerts at the Estate relevant to local communities, the first of which happened in March in honor and celebration of Women’s History Month. This concert celebrated the achievements of Latin-American female composers and performers. A second concert celebrated Mothers and Mother Nature with music from various cultures and languages. Similarly, at July’s presentation of MIAMIsFF, FOCUS ON: Films from Spain, I presented a short recital of music from Spain to introduce the event. Coming up, during Hispanic Heritage Month, on September 23rd, I will present a concert at the Estate highlighting the beauty, richness, and diversity found in Ibero-American music repertoires. I will take this opportunity to showcase songs from the ongoing Cantes de Ida y Vuelta project.
Furthermore, I have been selected to be part of the upcoming Deering Contemporary in 2024 curated by Lili Dominguez. This participation will be a collaboration with artist Giannina Coppiano Dwin, which came about out of a chance encounter and impromptu collaboration during one of the field trips organized for us by Lili. We will present a mixed-media installation and performance. Very excited about this opportunity!
As I engage with fellow AIRs and collaborators, I am profoundly aware of the transformative power that lies within our interactions. The potential for these connections to evolve into lasting relationships, the camaraderie and shared experiences is invaluable, enriching my artistic journey and broadening my horizons.
I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to breathe life into the echoes of the past, to reimagine the melodies that once graced these very walls, and to honor the legacy of Charles Deering through the power of music.
Learn more about the current Artists-in-Residence and the Artist-in-Residence Program at the Deering Estate.
About the Deering Estate
Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.
