Biography

Winner of awards such as the Morton Gould Composition Award (ASCAP) and the Jacob Druckman Orchestral Composition Award, Francisco Cortés Álvarez (Mexico 1983) has developed a rich musical career as composer, arranger, producer and pedagogue.

His works have been performed in four continents by renowned soloists, ensembles and orchestras such as: LA Philharmonic conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, OFUNAM, National Symphonic Orchestra of Mexico, Aspen Sinfonia Orchestra, Alarm Will Sound, IU New Music Ensemble, Volti Chamber Singers, Cassatt String Quartet, Túumben Paax, among others; and has participated in festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival and School, Music 11, Mizzou New Music Festival, SEAMUS.

Francisco received the Scholarship in Honor of Tania León for young Latin American composers in the US (ASCAP); He has been a Fellow of the Scholarships for Studies Abroad and Young Creators and National System or Art Creators by FONCA; and has been selected to participate in the New Manuel Enríquez International Music Forum on nine occasions. Francisco has credits as co-producer, editor or composer in 11 professional record productions with Naxos, Tempus Clásico, IU Music among others.

He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Composition at the Facultad de Música (UNAM) under the tutelage of Dr. Gabriela Ortiz obtaining the Gabino Barreda medal, and completed the Master's and Doctorate in composition at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he obtained the Dean's Prize. He is currently a founder and full-time professor of the composition program at the Escuela de Bellas Artes (Universidad Panamericana) and professor of analysis and composition at the Facultad de Música (UNAM).