Most days, Lynn University students and visitors walking near the Count and Countess de Hoernle International Center can hear beautiful melodies performed by talented Lynn Conservatory of Music students.
But the notes emanating from graduate student Carlos Fernando Jr. Medina Romero's piano are not written by European-born classical composers such as Beethoven or Bach. While pursuing his professional performance certificate, the Guatemalan-born pianist has amassed a repertoire comprised of pieces by some of his country's most celebrated composers, including Jorge Alvaro Sarmientos and Manuel Martinez-Sobral, among others.
"I am lucky to have mentors and instructors who encourage us to explore our culture and elevate multicultural musical voices," said Medina Romero. "It’s one of the many reasons I chose Lynn."
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as an institution with the "Most International Students" for 20 consecutive years, Lynn regularly boasts a diverse student population. Over the years, musicians have come from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Russia, France and many Latin American countries to study at the award-winning conservatory. In the classroom, professors encourage students to lean into their personal history to provide inspiration and motivation.
"My classmates and I spend breaks sharing popular songs from our homes, searching for similarities and finding a common thread," shared Medina Romero. "The program really is a microcosm of the world, and music is our shared language."
A dynamic duo
Conservatory alumnus and fellow Guatemalan pianist Alfonso Hernandez '17 feels the same way about his time at Lynn. Friends from a young age, Hernandez and Medina Romero once studied under the same piano instructor.
"Most of the composers we were taught to play were from Europe, so they have a standard language for classical music," said Hernandez. "It’s nice to have instructors who push you to play something that approaches music in a totally different way. For me, it feels like home when I play Martinez-Sobral's music."
Unique to the conservatory, students and alumni are encouraged to collaborate, developing strong bonds between the musicians through shared performances. It was Hernandez who approached his long-time friend about creating a special concert celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
The stage is set
"When Alfonso proposed the idea of a joint performance featuring Guatemalan composers, it was an easy answer," shared Medina Romero. "It makes sense for me to put my energies into playing music from my country not just for my own development but to show other Guatemalan pianists how rich our musical history really is."
Their time playing together has developed into a shared advocacy for Guatemalan music.
Medina Romero is focused on returning home and teaching the next generation of pianists, hosting festivals and competitions through his nonprofit. "The exchange of knowledge is something we desperately need in Guatemala if we want to bring our music to the international stage," he said.
The duo will perform Vitrina Pianistica, a piece for two pianos, on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Amarnick-Goldstein Concert Hall.