Western Washington University students and community members can experience world-class music on Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m., when internationally acclaimed percussionist Iván Manzanilla will perform a free concert in the Performing Arts Center 016 (choir room).
This event, part of a mini-residency, is hosted by Charles Halka, associate professor of composition and theory at Western.
Manzanilla’s last visit to Western was back in 2022, when he performed with the ÓNIX Ensamble – a contemporary music group from Mexico known for their innovative interpretations of modern classical works. This time, he returns solo to deliver an evening of boundary-pushing percussion pieces.
Bruce Hamilton is a music professor at Western. He believes a lot of things play into what sets Manzanilla’s music apart from other performers.
“Percussion is fun in that the palette is so large, from keyboards, to drums, metals, woods, specialty instruments from different cultures [and] toys. Lots of cool sounds, some pieces from Mexican composers, and getting to watch a virtuoso perform are all things to look forward to,” Hamilton said.
Manzanilla’s program will be showcasing a vibrant selection of contemporary works, including “Aritmética del Sol” by Antonio Fernández Ros, “A Mao” by Arturo Márquez and “Pies para que los quiero II” by Alejandra Hernández, alongside pieces by composers from Portugal and Austria.
“Dr. Manzanilla is one of those artists whose performance instantly captivates audiences,” Halka said. “The music he chooses to perform is truly diverse in every sense of the world, and he creates a space for listeners to really connect with it.”
Originally from Mexico City, Manzanillas’ musical journey started with simple beginnings. His path to international acclaim was paved by a single drum and a pair of sticks – the most affordable option for a family that simply wanted their child to follow his passion.
“I had the support of my parents to study music, and I was lucky to have the time and resources to do it as a child,” Manzanilla said. “Percussion was the cheapest instrument you could learn — my parents just needed to buy me a pair of sticks and one drum. That was an easy decision for all of us.”
What began as a simple choice quickly turned into a lifelong dream. As a teenager, Manzanilla had the chance to perform with a professional university percussion ensemble at a music festival in Mexico City.
“From that moment on, it made me realize I wanted to do that for a living,” Manzanilla said.
Later, while studying for his bachelor’s degree at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, he witnessed a performance by Stephen Schick, a renowned American percussionist. Schick’s approach to percussion music opened Manzanilla’s eyes to what was possible for him as an artist.
Since then, Manzanilla’s reputation has spanned the globe, from touring Japan with percussionists to performing in the Volksbühne in Berlin, Germany. He has premiered dozens of new works and collaborated with composers and performers around the world.
In addition to his performance career, Manzanilla has dedicated himself to music education, teaching at the University of Guanajuato, where he is the head of the percussion department.
Working at the university level, he emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences for his students. In 2018, Manzanilla organized a binational concert at the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, where American and Mexican musicians performed mirrored programs on both sides of the border to foster reflection on solidarity.
Hosting artists like Manzanilla is more than just filling a concert hall. It’s about giving students a broader view of music traditions, global culture and creative expression, said Halka.
“Mexico has a particularly rich musical history,” Halka said. “I hope everyone, especially those who identify with Dr. Manzanilla and the music he performs, will find a personal connection with the concert.”
Admission is free and open to all. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
Hailey Brown (they/them) is a campus news reporter for The Front this quarter. They are a third-year visual journalism major with a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. Outside the newsroom, you can find them taking too many photos, on the beach collecting sea glass, or with their nose in any book. You can reach them at haileybrown.thefront@gmail.com.
