Hear the full "AAPI Classical Musicians of Interlochen" podcast feature by clicking or tapping "Listen" above.
This May, Classical IPR celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Classical IPR by featuring just some of the many AAPI artists of Interlochen who play significant roles in the classical music world.
Norman Menzales is a flutist and Interlochen Flute Intensive faculty member who shares his cultural heritage through the album "Panoramas: Flute Music of the Philippines."
"I'm a first-generation Filipino American, and grew up in Macon, Georgia, where I was surrounded by Filipino gatherings and parties almost every week," says Menzales. "Even through I was surrounded by music all the time, I was a really shy kid, and avoided performing whenever I could. But over time, especially in college, I started to embrace performance, and it's become such an important part of who I am as a musician today."
"Panoramas" was a project Menzales started during the COVID-19 pandemic to reconnect with his Filipino heritage.
"In 2020, not only did I lose my dog Daphne, but shortly after, I also lost my dad. One of our final conversations was [about] staying connected to my roots and being a proud Filipino," he recounted.
"That moment has stayed with me, and it led me to this 4-year project. Through 'Panoramas,' I hope to help bring more visibility to Filipino classical music and celebrate the range of styles and voices within it."
Listen to Nicanor Abelardo's "Panoramas," from the album of Filipino flute music by Norman Menzales. The music bridges Filipino folk songs with resplendent classical textures.
Norman Menzales is currently principal flutist of the Fort Collins Symphony and the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, and has been a part of the Interlochen Flute Intensive every summer since 2018. One of his favorite traditions is going to Moomers for ice cream — something he's looking forward to this summer as well!
