Julian Kirgan Báez
Composer & Orchestrator
About
Mexican-born New Zealand artist Julian Kirgan Báez is a versatile composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Wellington, New Zealand. His compositions span a wide range of genres from lush orchestral works to rock, electronic and jazz infused trip-hop. Julian has had concert works performed and recorded by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as well as works commissioned by Orchestra Wellington and local music festival Classical On Cuba. During 2021 and 2022 Julian was selected as emerging Composer in Residence with Orchestra Wellington under mentorship from esteemed composer John Psathas. Julian specialises in media composition and music for screen, having completed studies in advanced film scoring at the New Zealand School of Music.
As a performer Julian continues to enjoy a diverse freelance career of over a decade as a trombonist spanning a wide range of styles and ensembles including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington, The Royal New Zealand Air Force Band and numerous jazz ensembles. Julian is a member of acclaimed bands Richter City Rebels and Raw Collective and in 2015 was appointed Sub-Principal Trombone with Orchestra Wellington.
Atiru: Tone Poem
Atiru, meaning threatening storm clouds in Te Reo Māori, is a dark and stormy piece inspired by storm clouds and rugged New Zealand landscapes in a late-romantic style. The piece was composed during the initial lockdowns in 2020 and deals with dark and brooding themes with menacing and triumphant undertones.
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Conducted by Benjamin Northey.
Recorded by Radio New Zealand during the 2022 SOUNZ Composer Sessions.
Duration: 7 minutes
Reflection
Composed in 2022, Reflection is an introspective journey in a late-romantic style which begins in a contemplative state next to the Waimapihi stream deep in the heart of Aro Valley in Wellington, New Zealand. The piece was commissioned and premiered by Orchestra Wellington during Julian’s time as emerging Composer in Residence mentored by John Psathas in 2021-22. Julian’s second orchestral work, Reflection showcases a fluid sense of motion, weaving in and out of day dreams, personal thoughts and the natural environment.
Orchestra Wellington, Conducted by Marc Taddei.
Recorded by Radio New Zealand at the Michael Fowler Centre 2022.
Duration: 11 minutes
Listen
Cinematic Playlist
A select playlist of cinematic instrumental tracks ranging in style from lush electro-acoustic to moody jazz trip-hop.
Contact
Feel free to drop a line - all enquiries are welcome.
julian.kirgan@gmail.com
+64 22 032 0932