Gabriela Gómez Estévez
Assistant Professor, Director of Orchestras, Music
Academic focus:
Orchestral music, conducting, Latin American music
Current research project:
My current research focuses on the orchestral works of composer Margarita Luna García, a prominent figure in avant-garde music in the Dominican Republic active in the 20th century. Through this project, I improve public access to Luna García’s oeuvre and promote its study and performance by contextualizing her work as a composer and pedagogue and by creating new performance and audiovisual materials.
Previous positions:
- Research Fellow, Dominican Studies Institute, City University of New York, 2022-2023
- Teaching Assistant, School of Music, Louisiana State University, 2019-2023
Academic background:
- D.M.A., Orchestral conducting, Louisiana State University, 2023
- M.M., Flute performance, Louisiana State University, 2019
- B.M., Flute performance and professional music, Berklee College of Music, 2017
Last book read:
“The Noise of Time” by Julian Barnes
In your own time/when not working:
I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, trying new recipes or experimenting with ingredients I have available. I find there are many parallels between making music and cooking: both require mastery of technique, they elicit emotional responses, there’s room for improvisation (except in baking!) and both rituals revolve around creating human connection. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, stand-up comedy and home improvement projects.
Courses you’re most looking forward to teaching:
Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra!
What most excites you about Cornell:
I’m excited to get to work with students with diverse backgrounds and interests as it provides a wonderful opportunity for creative and interdisciplinary collaborations. I am looking forward to being part of a community of artists and scholars with a wide range of expertise who push the envelope in their respective disciplines. I am also eager to make some dishes with apples from the Cornell Orchards!
