Country

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United States of America

Genre

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Choral

 

 

Film

 

 

Vocal

 

Valerie Naranjo is a renowned percussionist, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 3, 1959, in New York City, Valerie grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from an early age. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer, so Valerie was surrounded by music all the time. Valerie's interest in music began when she was just a child. She started playing the piano at the age of five and later learned to play the guitar and the drums. She was also interested in dance and studied ballet and modern dance. However, it was the drums that captured her heart, and she decided to pursue a career in percussion. Valerie attended the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied percussion with Paul Price and marimba with Leigh Howard Stevens. She also studied West African drumming with master drummer Babatunde Olatunji and Brazilian percussion with Nana Vasconcelos. Valerie's diverse musical background and training helped her develop a unique style that blends different musical traditions. After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, Valerie began performing with various ensembles and artists. She played with the Philip Glass Ensemble, the Paul Winter Consort, and the Steve Reich Ensemble, among others. She also performed on Broadway in the musical "The Lion King" and in the off-Broadway production of "Stomp." One of Valerie's most significant achievements was her collaboration with the composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. In 1989, she was invited to perform with Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic in a concert celebrating the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. Valerie played the timpani and percussion in Bernstein's "Symphony No. 2: The Age of Anxiety," which was based on a poem by W.H. Auden. The performance was a huge success, and Valerie received critical acclaim for her playing. Valerie's talent and versatility as a percussionist have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 1992, she was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Grant, which allowed her to perform a solo concert at the Lincoln Center. She was also awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study West African music in Ghana in 1994. In addition to her performing career, Valerie is also a respected educator and has taught percussion at various institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Berklee College of Music. She has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Valerie's passion for music and her dedication to her craft have made her one of the most respected percussionists in the world. Her ability to blend different musical traditions and styles has created a unique sound that has captivated audiences around the world. She continues to perform, teach, and inspire musicians of all ages and backgrounds.

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