Luciano Quiñones
Encyclopedia
Luciano Quiñones Lugo is a pianist
and the foremost composer of Modern Puerto Rican Danzas
.
where he also received his primary education. He was musically influenced by his family who taught him the basics in music at a young age. In 1960, he was sent to the Mayagüez free School of Music where he began his formal musical education.
In 1965, Quiñones enrolled at the Inter-American University of San German where he continued his musical instruction. In 1969, he earned a Bachelors Degree in music with a concentration in applied piano. He was also awarded "The Most Outstanding Student of the Music Department" medal.
" and "Himno a Mayagüez" are the only three to have lyrics. The latter two of the danzas were adopted as the official anthems of their respective cities. His danza "Linda Mayagüezna", also dedicated to his wife, have been played at the Pablo Casals Festival
in Puerto Rico.
Quiñones was a music professor at the Mayagüez Free School of Music. He currently participates in the Danza Festival of Mayagüez either as a soloist or accompanist. His wife Sylvia, who was his major source of inspiration and with whom he had two children, Jose Carlos and Jose Ivan, died on November 15, 2004. Quiñones presently resides in Mayagüez and presents his Danza's recital in universities, schools, social and cultural institutions that contract him. He also lectures on the Danza for the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
and the foremost composer of Modern Puerto Rican Danzas
Music of Puerto Rico
The music of Puerto Rico has been influenced by the Spanish, African, Taíno Indians, France, and the United States, and has become very popular across the Caribbean and across the globe...
.
Early years
Quiñones, was born in the town of San German, Puerto RicoSan Germán, Puerto Rico
San Germán is a municipality located in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico, south of Mayagüez and Maricao; north of Lajas; east of Hormigueros and Cabo Rojo; and west of Sabana Grande. San Germán is spread over 18 wards and San Germán Pueblo...
where he also received his primary education. He was musically influenced by his family who taught him the basics in music at a young age. In 1960, he was sent to the Mayagüez free School of Music where he began his formal musical education.
In 1965, Quiñones enrolled at the Inter-American University of San German where he continued his musical instruction. In 1969, he earned a Bachelors Degree in music with a concentration in applied piano. He was also awarded "The Most Outstanding Student of the Music Department" medal.
Musical career
Quiñones married Sylvia Rodriguez to whom he dedicated his first danza "A Sylvia" in 1977. This danza won prizes from the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture. By 2008, 29 of his danzas have won prizes. "El Abanico" (The Fan), the "Official Anthem of the City of HormiguerosHormigueros, Puerto Rico
Hormigueros is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the western region of the island, northeast of Cabo Rojo; northwest of San Germán; and south of Mayagüez. Hormigueros is spread over 5 wards and Hormigueros Pueblo...
" and "Himno a Mayagüez" are the only three to have lyrics. The latter two of the danzas were adopted as the official anthems of their respective cities. His danza "Linda Mayagüezna", also dedicated to his wife, have been played at the Pablo Casals Festival
Casals Festival
The Casals Festival is a classical music event celebrated every year in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in honor of world renowned musician Pablo Casals.-Background:...
in Puerto Rico.
Danza compositions
Some of the danzas composed by Quiñones.:- Amor Eterno (Eternal Love)
- Aniversario (Anniversary)
- A Sylvia (To Sylvia)
- Campanas Nupciales (Wedding Bells)
- Días Felices (Happy Days)
- El Abanico (The Fan)
- Fantasia en Azul (Blue Fantasy)
- Fiesta de Acabe
- Fiestas de la Candelaria
- Fiestas de Santa Rosa (Festival of Saint Rose)
- Irma
- Isla Hermosa (Lovely Island)
- Linda Flor (Beautiful Flower)
- Linda Mayagüezana (Beautiful Girl from Mayagüez)
- Matices
- Mis Tesoros (My Treasures)
- Nuestro Amor (Our Love)
- Pensando en Tí (Thinking of You)
- Princesita Juguetona (Playful Princess)
- Quinceañera (15th Birthday)
- Renacer (Reborn)
- Sueño de Amor (Dream of Love)
- Sueño Español (Spanish Dream)
- Tarde Gris (Gray Afternoon)
- Tierno Amor (Tender Love)
- Virgencita del Pozo
- Torbellino de Pasiones
- Soñando con tus Besos (Dreaming of your kisses)
- Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián
Later years
Quiñones' love for the danza and piano plus his desire to preserve Puerto Rico's musical heritage led him to develop two websites. In 1996, he created "The Home of the Danza" where anyone may listen to some of the islands most renowned danzas performed by him. He also created "Luciano's Piano Bar" where he performs boleros and modern music.Recognitions
Among the many recognitions which Quiñones has received are the following:- Special recognitions from the Mayagüez Lions Club, The City of San German and the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture.
- He was named the adopted son of Mayagüez in 2000
- He was inducted into the Puerto Rican Danza Composers Hall of Fame in 2003.
- The 32nd annual Danza Week of 2004, sponsored by the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture, was dedicated to him.
- The 2008 "Nuestra Música" Festival was dedicated to him on the Danza night.
Quiñones was a music professor at the Mayagüez Free School of Music. He currently participates in the Danza Festival of Mayagüez either as a soloist or accompanist. His wife Sylvia, who was his major source of inspiration and with whom he had two children, Jose Carlos and Jose Ivan, died on November 15, 2004. Quiñones presently resides in Mayagüez and presents his Danza's recital in universities, schools, social and cultural institutions that contract him. He also lectures on the Danza for the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.