You initially trained as a flutist and then started composing—do you still perform?
Yes, I am still very active as a flutist, I love to play the flute and it would be difficult to stop playing. The flute really represents my first and most direct contact with music. It is the instrument through which I learned melody, phrasing, intensity and the expressiveness of music. That never leaves you.
You have been lucky enough to work with people like John Corigliano and Narcís Bonet; how have they influenced your work and can you name anyone else who has guided what you do over the years?
I was indeed lucky to work with Corigliano and Bonet. In a way of speaking, I would say that each of them represents some of the best from the two worlds of the unfettered freshness and directness of American music at its best, on one hand, and the great tradition of the Boulanger teachings, as distilled by a phenomenal talent such as Bonet, on the other hand. Anthony Newman is another figure who has been a beacon for me: instrumental virtuoso, prolific composer, improviser and a man who also has a profound musical mind.
You have lived in Barcelona for 18 years, how has the city/area been important to your work and how does it differ to your home city?
When you move from one place to another as I did, coming from New York to Barcelona, you have to start again in the new place to make it your home. In changing countries, the new beginning is even more pronounced, since you have to learn the language (in this case, the two languages) and assimilate the new culture. Barcelona has become my home. It is where I work and where I have many friends and colleagues who are close to me. The whole musical scene here in Barcelona is one in constant change and growth, not only in classical and contemporary classical music, but in many other styles such as jazz, experimental and different styles of ethnic music from around the world. It is exciting to be here. I think Barcelona is emerging as a musical force, and particularly in the area of new music. In a way, it is the place to be.
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