Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ángela Varo Moreno. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ángela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

I grew up in the town of Baena, located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, in the region of Andalusia. About five and a half years ago, I had a life-changing opportunity to come to the United States and develop my craft as a jazz and flamenco violinist and composer.

My town is small, rural, and humble. Is also rich in culture, landscape and humanity. It defines my roots and where I come from—it shapes my sound. Everyone knows everyone, and when the people heard about my upcoming journey back in 2019, they didn’t hesitate for a second to show their support. Sometimes it was overwhelming and emotional, as people showed up at my doorstep ready to help in any way they could: sometimes with tomatoes, sometimes with olive oil, sometimes with a small donation. It was always, “For the violin kid.” Always finished with, “One of us… traveling that far… couldn’t imagine.”

This journey was extremely scary. Economically, it was a huge challenge for my large family, which at the time relied solely on my father’s salary. However, the support of the community, scholarships, and my family’s hard work made it possible. Now, I am extremely proud of what we have achieved. Because, at this point, it is not just about me. It is about my family and all these people. For me, all of this is summarized in one of my favorite expressions: Honor Your Sound.

Ángela , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Ángela Varo Moreno, and I am a violinist and composer from Baena, a town in Andalusia. I am based in Boston, where I work as a performer, composer, and educator. I grew up in a musical family, surrounded by opera and flamenco, so music and the expression of my heritage have always been my main way of expression.I love the exploration of the interconnection between jazz, Romani, and flamenco musics among others.

I moved from my small town to the States in 2019, where I had the privilege to study at Berklee College of Music thanks to full scholarships from Berklee and the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation – among other organizations. They made my dream a reality. In 2022, I graduated with a double degree in contemporary writing and production, and jazz performance, along with a minor in jazz composition. I also completed in 2023 the master’s degree from the Global Jazz Institute Program, directed by my dear mentor, Panamanian pianist and composer, Danilo Pérez.

I grateful to have been part of several notable collaborations, including the Grammy-nominated band Danilo Perez’s Global Jazz Messengers and the Andalusian electronic-flamenco fusion group, Califato 3/4. I continue to develop my skills under the guidance of renowned mentors and I aim to bridge the gap between traditional music and modern innovation through my work.

I am excited to announce my debut album, “Dançâ del Aire” (Dances of the Air), coming out in October 2024 under the label Habitable Records. The intention of this project is to guide the listener through an immersive journey, complemented by an international ensemble of musicians, global jazz and flamenco influences, and captivating stories. It also aims to bring attention to the importance of preserving Andalusian culture. This auditory experience weaves together the threads of Andalusian identity, Mediterranean spirit, Romani experiences, and the universal journey and experience of migration.

Through a rich tapestry of melodies, the air transforms into the wind, symbolizing the fusion of cultures and the celebration of shared human experiences. At the heart of “Dançâ del Aire” lies a profound mission—to unfurl the vibrant tapestry of Andalusian stories and culture to the world. This musical journey transcends boundaries, interweaving flamenco, global jazz, and Mediterranean music, guided by an international ensemble of musicians and professionals.

“Dançâ del Aire” is not just an album; it’s a celebration of cultural unity and emigration, and a testament to the power of music to bridge worlds and share the stories that connect us all.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I believe that sometimes, the power of music and artists (art, culture) is overlooked. Music is not only a tool for entertainment but, most importantly, a tool for survival. There are many reasons and examples for this, such as the survival of the Romani language and culture thanks to music. In the past, and not so long ago, being an artist was one of the few options to both eat and ensure the legacy of those that came before you will survive. Music is the way we talk, the way we cook. It is our traditions and our heritage. We understand our identity because of how our community communicates this information and because of our own capacity to reimagine tradition—with love, respect, rebellion, and humanity.

For me, the most important thing to develop as an artist is exactly that—the capacity to communicate the story of my ancestors and land to the world, and the capacity to reimagine the world itself. To play, to cook, to be.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Around 2015, I experienced one of the most challenging and ”lesson learning” times of my life. What I initially thought was a spider bite on my neck—right where the violin rests—became a long and arduous journey involving numerous doctors and extremely uncomfortable skin problems. This condition led to multiple hospital visits. For seven months, neither the doctors nor I could figure out what was wrong with me. Some days, my face was so swollen that I could barely see or talk, and everything felt blocked, burned, tight, or itchy.

During this almost year-long ordeal, I could barely play my violin. Despite occasionally sneaking out to play, which only worsened my condition, I found solace in listening to music. It was during this period that I fell even deeper in love with jazz. Listening to artists like John and Alice Coltrane, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, and Mary Lou Williams kept my dream alive—the dream of becoming a jazz musician and studying jazz. (Which was a bold dream from someone from a small town in Andalusia that plays violin)

After many doctors and numerous scares, we discovered that I was extremely allergic to colophony, a substance found in its purest form in the rosin used by string players on their bows. Essentially, my instrument—and those of other string players—was killing me!. Fortunately, I found a hypoallergenic rosin, which alleviated most of the problems, although I still need to be extremely careful today.

Despite these challenges, there was no turning back. This difficult time made me fall in love with jazz and fueled my dreams. A couple of years after that decisive moment, I moved to Boston to pursue my passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angelavaromusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelavaromusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avaromusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ángela-varo-moreno-969542269/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@angelavaromusic