Peruano Canta Project
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This music research performance project aimed to challenge the ways in which traditional Afro-Peruvian and Jazz rhythmic elements can be combined to offer advanced solutions regarding Afro-Peruvian Jazz ensemble performance and composition techniques for vocal choir, jazz instrumentation and traditional Peruvian percussion instruments. Building on traditions typified by Afro-Peruvian artists Nicomedes Santa Cruz, Arturo Zambo Cavero and Eva Ayllon, and jazz vocal arrangers Kerry Marsh and Sam Robson, this project has extended these ideas, aiming to offer new paradigms in ensemble performance and composition. The results of this research emerged during performances of original Afro-Peruvian Jazz works from August 2019 to January 2021 – and experimentation with new concepts in multiple rehearsals and live performances formed an iterative research cycle spanning 6 months.
Research Contribution
Innovations and new approaches in Afro-Peruvian Jazz took the form of orchestrations (dense passages featuring piano + 4 part vocal melodies), textures (juxtaposing layered vocal melodies against 3 part horn countermelodies) and vocal choir performance (syncopated, harmonically intricate 4 part vocal writing informed by Afro-Peruvian rhythmic structures). Ultimately, these techniques were advantageous solutions towards challenging Afro-Peruvian Jazz rhythmic performance and composition conventions – and if repeated by a different artist, would extend practice.
Research Significance
Research results included: Winner 2021 WAM Jazz Song of the Year, Winner 2021 WAM Awards Best Drummer/Percussionist, remount performance at 2021 Perth International Jazz Festival, and a glowing review from See Saw Magazine. Further reviews and wider dissemination of the project are ongoing. Approaches adopted within the compositions will inform future large ensemble repertoire within HE units at WAAPA.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Original Creative Work
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2021
Location of the Work
Perth
Awards
Winner, 2021 WAM Jazz Song of the Year
Publisher
Daniel Susnjar
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
39865
Event Title
Peruano Canta Project
Event Dates
September 17, 2021 and November 6, 2021
Event Venue
WAAPA Edith Spiegeltent / Perth International Jazz Festival
Duration
60 mins
Comments
Susnjar, D. (2021). Peruano Canta Project [Musical Performance/Musical Scores/Rehearsal Recordings]. WAAPA Edith Spiegeltent, Perth International Jazz Festival.