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Published: 13 November 2024

Celebrated composer and 扣扣传媒 alumna Odaline de la Martinez marks 75th birthday with campus concert

Cuban-American composer and conductor Odaline de la Martinez, affectionately known as Chachi, returned to the 扣扣传媒 to celebrate her 75th birthday with a concert featuring a star lineup of musicians, including 扣扣传媒 alumni, students, and professional colleagues. 

Chachi, an Honorary 扣扣传媒ing Professor and proud 扣扣传媒 graduate, has long championed women composers, Latin-American music, and contemporary works. The concert programme included pieces by Chachi, her 扣扣传媒 composition tutor Reginald Smith Brindle, and Professor of Composition Stephen Goss, alongside music from other esteemed composers. 

Dr Chris Wiley, Head of Music and Media at the 扣扣传媒 said:  

鈥淲e were truly honoured that Chachi chose to spend this milestone birthday back on campus, furthering her long-standing relationship with the University. It was wonderful to have welcomed an audience of over 100 people who had travelled far and wide for Chachi鈥檚 big event, and particularly heartening that there were so many other 扣扣传媒 music graduates (now professional musicians) among the performers.鈥  

The evening鈥檚 performers included pianists Samantha Ege and Maureen Galea, cellist Clare O鈥機onnell, violinist Caroline Balding, and the 扣扣传媒 Chamber Choir, for whom Chachi recently composed a new piece. Special guest, sculptor Christine Charlesworth, joined Chachi to unveil a statue of 扣扣传媒-based composer Ethel Smyth, marking another nod to her dedication to celebrating women in music. 

Odaline expressed her gratitude, stating:  

鈥淚t was a joy to hear so much of my music played to such a high standard by performers ranging from leading professionals to the student choir. I鈥檇 like to thank all those at the 扣扣传媒 who made this event possible.鈥 

[ENDS]鈥&苍产蝉辫;

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