Over the last few years, the presence of the Mexican composer José Pablo Moncayo has increased exponentially, launching his name beyond regional borders onto the international stage. This phenomenon parallels the growth of an awareness of the achievements of the National Network of Youth and Children''s Orchestras of Venezuela with its flagship ensemble the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra and conductor Gustavo Dudamel, championing Moncayo''s Huapango worldwide. Today Moncayo''s name appears in many programs, recordings, and online videos mostly featuring this composition. Yet, despite the Huapango''s great popularity, Moncayo as a composer and conductor has remained unknown to the public. In order to overcome this paradox, the need for a publication exploring Moncayo''s life and work has arisen. The outcome is this book which provides an examination of his life by drawing a portrait of the musician, his times and, the forces that shaped the musical identity of Mexico. This work should be especially useful to musicians and members from a wider audience who may be considering an enrichment of their understanding about Latin-American music.

Armando Torres-Chibrás, D.M.A.: Studied Orchestra Conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Conservatory of Maastricht, National Conservatory of Music-Mexico, and Arts Management at the HEC Montreal. Orchestra conductor, scholar, arts leader and communicator, he resides in the UK.