Carnegie Hall

Arturo Márquez (b. 1950) is one of the most prominent Mexican classical composers. Born in Alamos, Mexico, he was introduced to music by his father, a mariachi musician, and his grandfather, a folk musician. Márquez’s family moved to Los Angeles when he was 11, and he remained committed to music, composing, and playing the violin in school. When he was 17 years old, Márquez went to the Mexican Music Conservatory to study composition. He later studied music in Paris before returning to California. His earlier works were experimental in style. When he returned to Mexico, Márquez wanted to reach a broader audience. He began to frequent Mexico City’s dance halls, where he discovered the danzón. His most famous works are eight danzónes that incorporate this Mexican style into classical forms. Márquez currently lives in Mexico City, where he teaches and continues to compose.

Photography: Arturo Márquez courtesy of Peer Music Classical