Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Variego.
Hi Jorge, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born in Rosario, Argentina. My musical studies began at age 10 with the clarinet and some general ear training classes. This relentless relationship with music continues today and has taken me to many places, connected me with incredible people, and taken me through unique experiences.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
After finishing my undergraduate degree, I moved from Argentina to the US, back to Argentina, back to the US, Europe, and the US. Lots of twists and turns along the way. In that order! Wherever music took me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a composer and performer from Argentina. I play reeds, and my specialty is the clarinet. I write music for others and for the projects in which I also play. I keep learning new tools to enhance my creative vocabulary. My most recent piece for orchestra (commissioned by the Knoxville Symphony) involves video, electronic sounds, and orchestra. Currently, I am designing a show for the music Under the Dome series at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus, GA (which keeps me busy learning!) and writing commissions for brass ensemble strings. I am quite happy with my current search with the Variego3 project; there is an indescribable joy in searching for intangibles with other musicians. The group features Jack Roben (guitar), Rob Linton (bass), and myself in reeds and compositions. This spring, the trio will present its album “Recompensa,” which features a series of my original compositions and versions of standards that transit the fine line between jazz, free improvisation, and the music from el Rio de la Plata. The performances include shows at the Knoxville Botanical Garden in April and the Tybee Post Theater in March and will involve Knoxville Poet laureate Rhea Carmon. Inspired by Jimmy Giuffre, the Variego3 has a chamber music vibe with a woody sound. “It’s a true joy to hear this amazing ensemble of world-class musicians interact, feeding off of each other’s chemistry and ability to create massively infectious yet classy and understated melodies. Whether you are a modern jazz fan or prefer the old guard, you’ll certainly be impressed. This group has so much to offer, bringing an unprecedented level of charisma to this genre today.” – Jazz Corner
The Variego3 is sponsored by the Domino Ensemble, a 501c3 organization dedicated to promoting, commissioning, and performing new music. My recent book publications are an important milestone for me in a different realm. In 2018 my book Algorithmic Composition was released by the National University of Quilmes in Argentina ISBN-10: 9875585025. During that same year, I received the support of the Swedish Arts Grants Committee to be a resident composer at the Visby Centre for Composers. I was a guest lecturer at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain. In 2021 my book “Composing with Constraints” was published by Oxford University Press in 2021 ISBN-10: 0190057262. I also have the privilege of teaching at the University of Tennessee School of Music and leading the composition program at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Regardless of the situation, offer your best work; someone always listens!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://jorgevariego.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominoensemble/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jorge.variego
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZuj3JFYMuGCXE7_wVD-_w
- Other: https://www.dominoensemble.com
Image Credits
Bill Foster
