Música Sin Fronteras: Music Without Borders – Jillian Risigari-Gai, Harp DMA
UCLA Herb Alpert School of MusicSchoenberg HallCharles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles 90095
Jillian Risigari-Gai presents Música Sin Fronteras: Music Without Borders, her dissertation and final DMA recital at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall. Curated by the harpist, the program centers on the life and works of composer Alfredo Rolando Ortiz, with particular attention to his South American Suite for Harp and Orchestra. The evening considers the links between Paraguayan harp techniques and performance practices and the possibilities of the double-action pedal harp. It is part of UCLA’s 2026-27 Dobrow Series, supported by the David and Irmgard Dobrow Fund.
Risigari-Gai’s recital project is framed around transculturality: the blending, fluid interaction, and transformation of cultures as they encounter one another. Her work brings together research, oral-history interviews, and performance to examine how Ortiz’s music continues that lineage. Rather than treating traditions as separate cultures existing side by side, the project follows how migration, globalization, and communication create shared and continually evolving cultural identities. This final DMA presentation offers a performance-led exploration of those ideas through Ortiz’s writing for harp.
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music offers a refined concert experience in its 135-seat Lani Hall Theater, designed with advanced acoustic treatments that ensure clear sound from every seat. The venue features a raised stage with adjustable acoustic panels, creating an environment where both performers and audience members can engage deeply with the music. Events here range from student recitals to performances by renowned artists, often free and open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. The setting encourages attentive listening rather than casual socializing, making it ideal for those who appreciate the nuances of live music. Located within UCLA's Westwood campus, the school also hosts a variety of musical series and festivals that celebrate global traditions and contemporary works, promising an enriching evening of artistry and culture.