Cristina Garcia Islas » Biography

Mexico City, Mexico

Born in Mexico City, Cristina Garcia Islas began studying music at the age of 5. She received further training at the Escuela Superior De Musica where she completed a composition degree. Her work as a student earned her several grants, from the Universidad Autonoma De Mexico, the Mexican education ministry, and the Centro Nacional de las Artes among others. In 2005, Islas was admitted to the Montréal Conservatory for a master’s degree in composition. There she received the Archambault study grant from the Wilfrid Pelletier foundation. Her work is highly varied, ranging from pieces for small instrumental ensemble to electro-acoustic music. On her arrival in Montréal, Islas composed for various performers and ensembles, notably works for wind ensemble, solo piano, brass ensemble and for the ECM (directed by Véronique Lacroix). Her piece, “In Ixtli In Yollotl” for chamber players was selected, recorded and filmed by Films Aingaro 2 Inc for a television documentary on Quebec conservatories.

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