Cuban-American pianist hits a high note with audience

Cuban-American pianist Ana Lourdes Rodriguez

Fredericton welcomed Cuban-American pianist Ana Lourdes Rodriguez with open arms and open minds. The pianist is just one of the many musicians showcased as part of the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University’s Music on the Hill Performance Program.  The recital was held at St. Thomas University on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Residents of the city and St. Thomas University Fine Arts students found the Miami native’s music to be quite refreshing.

Music Theory and Performance student at St. Thomas University, Melissa Dickinson, says the music Rodriguez played was so intricate.

“I thought the performance was amazing. I sat right behind her so I got to see how she played the piano,” said Dickinson. “It was amazing how small she was and how boldly she played. It was intriguing and fascinating to see how fast her fingers moved around the piano.”

The pianist says she was grateful that the audience accepted her Latin-American sound.

“I felt like they were very open to what I had to play even though they weren’t used to this type of music,” said Rodriguez. “I always enjoy performing for a different audience. I always want to bring something new and fresh.”

The talented musician has in fact performed for a variety of diverse audiences. She has performed around Europe and North America. She has even worked with St. Thomas University’s very own Director of Fine Arts, Martin Kutnowski.

“I had the opportunity to give his world premiere of Tango Rhapsody,” said Rodriguez. “We performed that in Mexico.”

As well as working with composers from all over the world, Rodriguez has also won several awards.

In 2003, the Puerto Rican Cultural Association presented to her the Emilia Conde Award, which is given to a young artist.

In 2004, the pianist was the recipient of the Artist International’s Special Presentation Award.

“They’re not as important as special projects that I have been able to do in my professional life,” said Rodriguez. “The awards have given me great opportunities but they haven’t been as rewarding or fulfilling as the opportunities that I have had as a professional pianist.”

A project Rodriguez hopes to tackle soon is to have her piano playing recorded.

“I would like to have a bigger name and continue now what I am doing,” said Rodriguez. “I don’t see myself changing my lifestyle much. Ten years from now, I still would like to do more of what I am doing now.”

The musician says she is always, always practicing piano.

“Eating, sleeping, practice,” said Rodriguez of her daily routine. “I love the challenge of the piano. It’s like finger gymnastics. I can’t imagine my life without it.”

The Cuban-American musician says, her favorite opportunities are doing something she loves and traveling around the world for it.

“Meeting new cultures and exchanging ideas…I always love to travel,” said Rodriguez.

The pianist admitted she loves traveling and performing in Canada.

“I have always enjoying coming to Canada,” said Rodriguez. “I feel most comfortable here because it’s the closest to home.”

She says, she loved New Brunswick.

“I liked it [New Brunswick] very much. It’s beautiful.”

In return, New Brunswick adored Ana Lourdes Rodriguez.

“I would definitely say she is an inspiration. How could you not want to play beautiful music like her?” said Dickinson. “She looked so happy when she was done playing a song, so satisfied. It just goes to show that if you do something you truly love, that happiness will overtake you. I didn’t get a chance to talk to her, but I can only imagine how insightful and humble she is.”

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Posted by Jackie Allan on Nov 8, 2009. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.