Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony

Program Notes for

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 7:30pm Magale Recital Hall:

Mendelssohn: Nocturno für Harmonie-Musik, Op. 24                                        
Paganini: Sonata Per La Gran Viola, Concerto winner: Ronald Zaldaña, viola            
Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen, Concerto winner: Carlos Diaz del Valle, violin

Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole, movement 1, Concerto winner: Josias Ramos Alvarado, violin

(Intermission)

Glinka: Ruslan and Ludmila Overture                                 
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20, movement 1, Concerto winner: Erick Cabrera, piano
Rimsky-Korsakov: Procession of Nobles     

Carlos Diaz del Valle, born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, began his musical journey at the Victoriano López Music School in 2016. During his time there, he was actively involved in the school’s orchestra, chamber music program, choir, and various music festivals. After graduating, he received a scholarship to pursue his undergraduate degree at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where he is majoring in Music Business under the guidance of Dr. Andrej Kurti. Throughout his studies, he has performed with several orchestras in the region, including the Rapides Symphony, Monroe Symphony, and Marshall Symphony. He has also participated in music festivals across the country. In 2023, Carlos and his friends founded the Armonía String Quartet, in which he plays violin. The quartet has performed recitals throughout the state and remains active. In 2024, he won the prestigious McCutcheon Honors Recital, and Concerto Competition.