Arturo Somohano
Arturo Somohano Portela | |
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Background information | |
Born | September 1, 1910 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
Died | March 23, 1977 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
Genres | Classical music |
Occupation(s) | Director of the San Juan Symphony Orchestra |
Arturo Somohano Portela (September 1, 1910 – March 23, 1977) was a musical composer and director of the San Juan Symphony Orchestra, which is now named after him.
Early years
Somohano, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, had always been musically inclined and as a young child had learned to play the piano. He loved classical music and when he learned musical composition and harmony at the Fransician Chapel, he felt inspired to write music in a classical style.[1]
San Juan Symphony Orchestra
Upon the outbreak of
By 1958, as Somohano's reputation as a conductor grew, so did the overseas demand for his services as an orchestra conductor. He did two tours which included presentations in Spain, Germany, and the United States.[1]
Somohano celebrated his 100th concert as director in the 1960s in
Published the works
External audio | |
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You may listen to"Arturo Somohano's "Dime" interpreted by Rene Ramos". Archived from the original on 2009-10-27. Retrieved 2010-10-09.{{cite web}} : CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) |
Somohano published the works of danza composers Manuel Gregorio Tavárez and Juan Morel Campos. He also wrote the forwards for three musical reviews and the musical accompaniment for five theatrical works with the collaboration of Manuel Méndez Ballester.[1]
Amongst his compositions are:
- "Recuerdos de Ponce" (Memories of Ponce),
- "Si Tu Supieras" (If You Only Knew),
- "Palma y Olivo" (Palms and Olives),
- "Esclavo Moderno" (Modern Slave) and
- "Vagando".
He also recorded many other compositions, including:
- "Danzas de Puerto Rico" (Danzas of Puerto Rico),
- "Aquí España" (Over Here, Spain) and
- "En Mi Viejo San Juan" (In My Old San Juan).
Legacy
Arturo Somohano died in
Gallery
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Statue of Arturo Somohano at the plaza, which is named in his honor