Mexican Composer Takes Home Grammy for Classical Masterpiece

At the 67th Grammy Awards, Gabriela Ortiz Torres, a faculty member at UNAM’s School of Music, was awarded Best Contemporary Classical Composition for her piece Revolución Diamantina. The album also received recognition in two other categories: Best Classical Compendium and Best Orchestral Performance.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ortiz has collaborated with leading international orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cincinnati Symphony, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, bringing Mexican music to the global stage. She has also worked with renowned ensembles such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, solidifying her position as a key figure in contemporary classical music.

Ortiz believes that while music cannot directly solve social issues such as gender violence or climate change, it remains a powerful form of expression. “I don’t know if my music can transform society, but I do know it is my driving force for self-expression,” she remarked. Her compositions are deeply influenced by the social and artistic themes that inspire her.

Although she is not affiliated with social or scientific organizations, Ortiz draws inspiration from the social and environmental challenges she observes. “Music has the power to express what words cannot,” she stated, emphasizing her goal of contributing to these conversations through art.

Revolución Diamantina conveys a strong and evocative message, incorporating voices of women within a ballet setting that encourages reflection. Through powerful texts and slogans, the piece invites audiences to reconsider the world around them.