Michael Vascones Records Afro-Peruvian, Brazilian, and Contemporary Music

Michael Vascones recently recorded five videos at GSI. Michael Vascones, born in 1998 in Queens, New York, began playing guitar at the age of twelve, inspired by his father’s performances. At fourteen, he joined the Juilliard Music Advancement Program, studying under Bokyung Byun. He later earned his undergraduate degree from the Juilliard School in 2021, studying with Sharon Isbin, and completed his graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music in 2023 under the guidance of Mark Delpriora. Currently, Michael is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California, where he serves as a teaching assistant in the guitar department. Michael has earned first prizes in the Southern Guitar Festival and Competition: Division II, the Domaine Forget International Music Festival Youth Competition, the National High School Classical Guitar Competition at the Long Island Guitar Festival, and the National Federation of Music Clubs Classical Guitar Award. Additionally, he was a finalist in the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America International Youth Competition (Senior Division), the Domaine Forget International Music Festival Adult Competition, and the Boston GuitarFest Academy Competition.

Radamés Gnattali was a Brazilian composer and pianist renowned for blending classical forms with the vibrant rhythms and harmonies of Brazilian popular music. His works often bridge the gap between traditional Western art music and the rich cultural heritage of Brazil, showcasing his fluency in both classical and popular idioms. Composed in 1958, "Petite Suite" is a charming and dynamic work for solo guitar, epitomizing Gnattali's ability to integrate elements of Brazilian music with classical structure. The suite comprises five short movements, each offering a unique musical snapshot. Michael recorded this piece on a 1981 Jose Romanillos "La Toronto" classical guitar made with spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides.

Carlos Hayre was a Peruvian guitarist, composer, and arranger who played a pivotal role in the modernization of Afro-Peruvian music. His works combine traditional Peruvian folk styles with innovative harmonic and rhythmic approaches, bridging cultural heritage with contemporary expression. Here's Michael Vascones performing Coco Vega's arrangement of "Zazazá (Festejo)". Festejo is an Afro-Peruvian genre of music and dance that celebrates the emancipation of slaves in Perú. It is one of the most important genres within Peruvian música criolla. "Zazazá" was written by the Black Peruvian guitarist Carlos Hayre, and arranged for solo guitar by Peruvian guitarist Coco Vega. The guitar featured in the video is a 2025 Carlos Juan Busquiel.

Coco Vega's compositions draw from the rich traditions of Peruvian folk and Afro-Peruvian genres, characterized by their rhythmic complexity and expressive depth. "Landó" is Vega’s homage to one of Peru’s most iconic Afro-Peruvian musical styles. The landó is a slow, sensual rhythm with roots in African and Peruvian cultural fusion, often associated with themes of love, longing, and resilience. Traditionally performed with instruments such as the cajón and guitar, the style’s characteristic syncopations and polyrhythms create a hypnotic, undulating groove. In Vega’s arrangement for solo guitar, the landó takes on a lyrical and introspective quality while retaining its rhythmic vitality. The composition weaves intricate fingerpicking patterns and resonant harmonies, capturing the essence of traditional Afro-Peruvian music while showcasing the guitar’s expressive potential. Through subtle shifts in dynamics and phrasing, the piece evokes a blend of melancholy and hope, embodying the emotional depth of the landó tradition. Michael recorded this piece on a 2025 Evan Kingma guitar.

Mark Delpriora, a renowned American guitarist, composer, and educator, is celebrated for his ability to craft works that balance technical brilliance with profound musicality. His compositions often draw on a wide array of influences, blending traditional classical guitar techniques with modern harmonic and melodic sensibilities. "Étude No. 5" is part of Delpriora’s collection of études, each designed to challenge the guitarist’s technical skills while exploring unique musical landscapes. This particular étude showcases Delpriora’s mastery in creating music that is both pedagogical and artistically compelling.The piece emphasizes arpeggiation and voice independence, requiring the performer to navigate intricate textures while maintaining clarity and expressiveness. Harmonically rich and rhythmically nuanced, "Étude No. 5" embodies Delpriora’s characteristic blend of sophistication and accessibility. It challenges the guitarist to sustain lyrical melodic lines amidst flowing accompaniments, showcasing the instrument's full expressive range. Michael recorded this piece on a 2000 Daryl Perry classical guitar made with spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides.

Here's Michael Vascones performing "Prenda Mia" (Vals Peruano) by Alberto Haro (1926-2020) arranged for guitar by Mario Orozco Caceres. This arrangement is dedicated to César Senmache San Bartolomé. Alberto Haro is a Peruvian guitarist and composer known for his dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich traditions of Peruvian music. His works often highlight the unique rhythms and melodic styles of Peru, blending them with the classical guitar's expressive capabilities. The guitar featured in this video is a 2008 Kenny Hill "1937 Hauser".