All posts tagged piano compositions

Hidden in Plain Sight at the Gum Wall in Seattle

Any tourist trip to Seattle isn’t complete without a visit to Pike’s Place Market, a few blocks east of the famous Elliott Bay waterfront. Hidden on the lower level of the Market on Post Alley is a quirky tourist attraction called the Market Theater Gum Wall. It’s been in the news this week because for the first time in 20 years, the wall underwent a steam cleaning and removal of the estimated 1 million wads of used chewing gum.

A small portion of the gum wall, measuring 50 feet long and up to 15 feet high.

In 2009 this gum wall was named one of the top five unhygienic sites in the world, second to the Blarney Stone in Ireland. Another little known fact is that a similar and older gum wall, Bubblegum Alley, exists in San Luis Obispo, California.

But don’t worry! When the maintenance is complete, tourists and passersby can once again leave their sticky legacy on the city.

Hidden in Plain Sight

What you probably haven’t heard about is the secret treasure known as a geocache that was hidden in plain sight on the gum wall.

But what is a geocache?

Geocaching is a treasure hunt that uses GPS-enabled devices to track the specific GPS coordinates of hidden containers, or geocaches, throughout the world. Presently, there are 2,744,212 active geocaches and over 6 million geocachers worldwide.

The geocache at the gum wall, named “Double Bubble Toil & Trouble,” was a very popular hunt for geocachers. The online record for this geocache indicates that over 2,800 geocachers logged a visit at this cache since it was hidden in 2010. Of that number over 25% of the geocachers could not find the cache. I was one of those, logging the dreaded frown smiley face or DNF (Did Not Find) on my geocaching record.

Can you spot the geocache at this Seattle landmark?

Although I hate to log a ‘DNF’ during my geocaching adventures, this day still holds pleasant memories for me. It was thanks to Pedro, our host son from Spain, that I decided to search for this geocache. As a long-time Seattle area resident, I didn’t even know about the gum wall until we started geocaching in 2010.

On the Hunt for Hidden Treasure

The first year Pedro was in our home, one of the student field trips was to Pike’s Place Market and the gum wall. Days earlier Pedro went out on his first geocaching adventure with my family. He was hooked. Unfortunately we didn’t find out about the geocache at the gum wall until after the field trip.

Pedro leaves his gum legacy at this famous Seattle landmark, unaware of the hidden treasure camouflaged on the wall.

When Pedro returned to Seattle the next summer, he was eager to find lots of geocaches, and to surpass my husband’s count of geocaches. It was a good-natured competition to see who had the most caches by the end of his visit. Pedro made a gallant try but couldn’t catch up. He found over 50 caches in four weeks scattered throughout Washington and Oregon.

Back to the day of this hunt…

The day was memorable because it was the day that I took Pedro to The Piano Studio for his recording rehearsal. We met Martin Buff, the studio owner, and Pedro spent some time getting his fingers used to the 9-foot Steinway Grand Piano. His actual recording date was a few days later. What a priceless memory watching this young man’s dreams come true. Pedro has since gone on to compose music for short and full-feature films like Tempting Fate.

Pedro practicing at The Piano Studio in Seattle, June 2011.

After a short rehearsal, we headed into downtown Seattle to geocache. We found a few geocaches along the waterfront and then went to Pike’s Place Market. Our goal: to find, or to log a smiley (that’s geocaching lingo) at “Double Bubble Toil & Trouble.”

We were surprised when we arrived at Post Alley and found a photography class set up taking photographs of the wheat paste art on the walls opposite the gum wall. We walked past the students and tried to use our geocaching stealth and ‘geosense’ to search for the hidden cache on the gum wall.

Hints are provided on the online listing for this geocache, but sadly it didn’t help us spot the camouflaged container that measured about an inch in diameter. GPS coordinates are fairly accurate most of the time, but with that small of a container and the large brick wall covered with gum, it felt like an impossible task. Besides, even with gloves on, we really didn’t want to search that closely!

We ended our memorable day with dinner at the waterfront, watching the ferries on Elliott Bay, and planning our next adventure—recording Pedro’s first CD at The Piano Studio.

Photography students near the gum wall.

Restoration of the Hidden Landmark

So what’s next for “Double Bubble Toil & Trouble?” The geocache listing has temporarily been disabled. The owner of the cache reported that a physical cache container will be replaced after the wall is cleaned and re-gummification begins.

Since I didn’t find the geocache before, I think this gum wall cleaning is good news for me. The sooner I return on the hunt for this geocache, the better my odds of finding it. And then I can turn my DNF to an “I FOUND IT” smiley. 🙂

For more information or to get started on your own geocaching adventures, visit geocaching.com.

6 Comments

by ardisanelson on November 13, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Relationships & Family, Travel Adventures

Tagged following your dreams, geocaching, Gum Wall, music, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, Seattle, The Piano Studio - Seattle

Posted by ardisanelson on November 13, 2015

https://ardisanelson.com/2015/11/13/hidden-in-plain-sight-at-the-gum-wall-in-seattle/

The Making of Tempting Fate’s Score by Pedro González Arbona

Today marks the theatrical release of Tempting Fate across Nigeria. It is a day I’ve been anticipating and praying for ever since Pedro González Arbona signed the contract to compose the movie soundtrack while we were together in Madrid two summers ago.

Early last year while Pedro was in the final stages of synchronizing the music with the movie, Kevin Kwankwor, the film’s director, asked Pedro to write about the movie composing process. At that point, it was uncertain where the premiere would be held. There was talk of a Hollywood premiere and Pedro didn’t expect he could make that. The script below was to be recorded for showing at the Hollywood premiere.

Pedro and I did attend the red carpet VIP screening in Houston last year. And last week was the premiere in Lagos, Nigeria with the major U.S. cast and crew and Nollywood star Ramsey Nouah. If Tempting Fate does well in Nigeria and Ghana, there is much hope that the movie will make its way through Europe and back to America for an official nationwide release.

In the meantime, I’m sharing Pedro’s account of his work on Tempting Fate and his creative music process.

THE MAKING OF TEMPTING FATE’s SCORE
by Pedro González Arbona

Introduction

I received the call from Kevin Kwankwor—producer, director, screenwriter, and CEO of KevStel Group LLC.—in the middle of July 2013. I was finishing the score of two short films, so it was the best time to start a new project.

Kevin and I had some conversations about music in general, and the “Tempting Fate” project in particular. We connected very well from the beginning because we had the same approach to this story of a deep relationship between two brothers and how their different paths in life affect their destiny.

Pedro in his studio in Madrid, July 2013.

Kevin showed me some classical music he had in mind when writing the screenplay and some instruments he wanted to use in the project. He told me they were shooting in September and wanted some of the tracks of the score to be done by then. That was just the beginning of an amazing process.

Music in Films

In my opinion, there are four aspects that are needed in order to make a good film: a good screenplay, a good director, good acting, and a good score.

When I started focusing my composing on cinema, I started realizing how important a good score is for a film. I actually think that music creates the magical environment needed for a film. Music is another kind of narration, apart from the screenplay and the visual narration made by the director. More importantly, music helps to tell the story with the intent of immersing the audience in the movie.

What would the famous shower scene from “Psycho” be without the screeching strings by Bernard Herrmann? Or the scene from “ET” with the kids peddling their bicycles through the sky with the moon in the background, without the music by John Williams? Or the Hobbit´s Shire in “The Fellowship of the Ring” without the music by Howard Shore? I am sure you can imagine dozens of examples, and by then you will realize that those films would not be the same without that music.

Photo credit: Universal Studios

The question now is, what do you consider a good score? Well, there is not a perfect theory, but I usually consider two kinds of scores.

On the one hand, are the composers who just use the music in the background of the film in order to create the perfect environment for the film. In these kinds of scores, the music is so well done that when the audience leaves the theater, they do not realize that they heard a score. Some examples could be amazing composers such as Thomas Newman or the Spanish composer, Alberto Iglesias.

On the other hand, are the composers who use a lot of melodic music that goes directly to the mind of the viewer. Most of the “famous” composers are from this second group. But there is a big problem with this kind of music; they have to have caution in order not to distract the viewer from the film. And that is a very difficult task. Wonderful composers such as John Williams, Hans Zimmer, or James Horner are from this second group.

The script to “Tempting Fate”

The Process of Scoring

The process of scoring all starts with the reading of the screenplay. In the case of “Tempting Fate,” Kevin sent the screenplay to me after the contract was signed in late July. I read it three or four times in order to fully grasp the film´s message and get a feel for the characters. I took a lot of notes about what scenes needed music and what kind of music was needed. Then I start the composing process.

Most composers start creating the score when they get the film, but I have always preferred to start the scoring even before the shooting starts. This makes the composing more fluid for me, and because it is better if the director has the music while shooting the film. This also allows the director to plan the film with the music in mind.

I always write around two main themes, which usually are linked to the main characters.

First was the “Love Theme”, about the love story between Edu and Tracy. For this theme I composed very melodic music with a violin solo and a piano in order to get a romantic melody that was going to be used in the most poignant moments of the film.
Second was the “Brother´s Theme”, about the relationship between the two brothers, Ugo and Edu. I made different variations of this theme throughout the film, because of the different facets of their relationship. I used the guitar and clarinet in the good moments, the piano and the violin solo for the bad moments, and the woodwinds for the background scenes.

Music Composer Pedro González Arbona

“Tempting Fate” was shot in September 2013, and during that time Kevin and I continued to keep in touch. He told me very important details about the filming. With Kevin’s keen directorial insights and the screenplay in hand, I had lots of inspiration to compose the score.

After the composing process was completed, and after I received the final edited version of the film, I started what I call the synchronizing process. This process consisted of comparing the music I created, with the scenes from the film, and deciding what music to use, what not to use, and how many changes were needed.

Finally the time came for the recording process. As violin and piano were the main instruments in this score, professional violin and piano players were hired for the recording. A soprano, a guitarist, and a percussionist were also hired. It was so exciting to be at the recording studio and to see my compositions come to life thanks to them.

So this is the end of this amazing project which involved so many different people from so many different countries such as Nigeria, India, Spain, and the United States.

I am very thankful:

to the head of the project, Kevin Kwankwor, for giving me this opportunity;
to Francisco Arbona, for consulting with me on the music;
to José Iglesias, the director of the musical academy where my music foundation was formed;
to Ardis Nelson, my manager, for helping me so much with my composing career and producing my first two CDs;
to Guillermo Servera, for introducing me to orchestration software and for sharing his expertise with me so many times;
to Chani Bas, for giving me my first job in the cinema;
and to my parents:
- my father because he played the piano and immersed me in what is now my passion for music,
- and my mother who expanded my musical knowledge so well and instilled my Christian beliefs.

Congratulations to Pedro and the entire cast and crew of Tempting Fate. I am proud to support the release of this faith-based movie across Africa and beyond.

Below is a slideshow of images from the press tour and the Lagos premiere on July 10. Special thanks and credit goes to Chris Willard at willardphotographic.com and the Nigerian Press for use of many of these photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

For up-to-date information about Tempting Fate and to view more photos, check out the movie’s Facebook page. Stay tuned for more updates on Pedro’s musical pursuits, and an exclusive interview with co-star Dan Davies. He is nothing like Scorpion, the evil character he so convincingly portrays in the movie.

Not your Typical Exchange Student Experience

This week marks the 5th anniversary of meeting Pedro González Arbona, a short-term Spanish exchange student, and his adoption into our family. Every year at this time, my internal clock reminds me and sends me down memory lane. That’s because Pedro’s arrival in our home set a series of life-changing events in motion for me emotionally, spiritually, and with my writing.

While our adventures that first summer were fairly typical of the experiences of host families and their students, the relationship that ensued was not typical. It led to a deep connection between his mother and me as we prepared for our mothers to pass away; it led to launching Pedro’s music and film composing career; and it led to my church mission to Spain last fall.

Pedro’s welcome poster, July 2010.

Five Years of Celebrations

So for the last four years, I’ve deliberately marked the occasion in some personal way.

The 1st year, I took Pedro into The Piano Studio to record his first CD, Introducing Pedro González Arbona.
The 2nd year, I went away on a personal writing retreat to work on my memoir related to this story.
On the 3rd year, I met his mother Rosa and other family members while traveling in Spain.
On the 4th year (last year), Pedro and I attended the VIP screening of his first full-feature film, Tempting Fate, in Houston.

Five years later, and I realized I had never publically shared the behind the scenes story of how this all came to be. Even the way in which Pedro ended up in our home was not the usual course of events that occurs when signing up to host a foreign exchange student. It was a whirlwind of surprises and quick decisions a few short weeks before Pedro arrived in America.

Pedro at the Nelson family piano, July 2010

Rekindling an Old Friendship

The story starts in June 2010. My oldest son was a senior in high school and auditioned to perform a classical piano piece at the Baccalaureate ceremony. The evening of his audition, our son shared over dinner that one of the judges was Kris, a family friend from our old neighborhood. We’d lost touch with each other through the years. She remembered my son from way back when our kids played together.

After years of no contact, I decided to connect with Kris over email. That started a nice string of replies back and forth and the rekindling of an old friendship. My son passed the audition, and we made plans to see each other at the ceremony later that month.

Pedro in the recording studio, July 2011.

Looking for Host Families

A few days later, Kris sent us an email about Education First (EF), the exchange program that she was in charge of for our area. She asked us if we would be interested in hosting a student. 44 students from France and Spain were arriving in 4 weeks and they still needed homes for some of the students.

My husband and I had a Finnish exchange student through Rotary International in our home early on in our marriage (over 20 years ago) before we had kids. It was such a fun experience; we were open to doing it again, and sharing the experience with our now teenage sons.

We had never heard about the EF program. We learned EF was a short-term program, generally just a few weeks. Some years the program involved students being in language classes during the day. Other years the program entailed multiple planned field trips for the students, and lots of unscheduled time to be immersed in the culture and life of their host families. This particular year, was the latter program for 4 weeks in July.

We talked it over as a family and decided to give it a try. We filled out the application, went through the home interview process, and had our references checked. Since most everyone in my family had taken some Spanish in school, we requested to host a Spanish male student in our home. We anxiously awaited word of who our host son would be.

Our EF leaders, Kris & Jan.

Matching Host Families and Students

Ten days later, I eagerly opened the email that matched families with students. When I read our host son’s profile, I was surprised to see that he didn’t play the piano. During the initial interview process, Kris shared that there was definitely at least one student who played the piano and that we would be matched with him.

From the moment the opportunity to host an exchange student came up, I felt God was calling me to stretch myself outside of my comfort zone. I was excited about welcoming a student into our home, but I was also nervous about it.

So when I noticed that the student assigned to our family did not play the piano, I prayed about what to do. Was I to blindly trust that this was ‘the student’ for us? Was I supposed to speak up and make our desires known?

I contacted Kris about our assigned student. Her response was welcome news. She made a mistake in assigning the students. We were supposed to be matched with a young man from Spain who played the piano. His name was Pedro!

Pedro in his studio in Madrid, July 2013.

First Contact

Our family had the advantage of knowing a little bit about Pedro and his family by way of the profile sheet that he filled out as part of the EF program. Right away I sent Pedro an email introduction and family photo. He quickly replied, sharing his excitement to visit Seattle, and about his love of music and cinema. He had also looked up our location on Google Maps, said how beautiful it looked, and naturally asked about the rain.

Communication was also then initiated with his parents, Rosa and Rafa. In our first email from his parents, they told us we “have friends in Spain if you want to come to visit.” (Three years later I took them up on that offer.)

Several emails followed over the next two weeks before his arrival in our home. It was a crazy time for us. Our son was graduating from high school and we had an out of town trip planned to a family wedding. Somehow I managed to prepare the house and my spirit to welcome this young man into our home in short order. (I’m sure prayer had something to do with it.)

We had a fun filled 4 weeks together exploring Washington State, and learning about each other’s countries and cultures. And of course, Pedro played the piano every chance he got. Unbeknownst to us, he was also playing some of his own compositions, like “Portman,” still one of my favorites. A few months later, he sent us “Seattle,” a song he composed and dedicated to my family. (Click to view studio recordings or listen to songs on the media player in right sidebar.)

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Pedro, at the keyboard at the VIP screening of Tempting Fate, Houston, July 2014.

A Match Made in Heaven

I’ve never regretted opening up our home to an exchange student or specifically to Pedro. We were so attached to Pedro, we invited him back the next summer for a personal visit. Five years later our families still maintain regular contact via email, Skype, or Whatsapp messaging.

It was truly a match made in heaven.

The experience has expanded my definition of family and stretched my heart, my mind, and my faith in amazing ways. Sometimes the geographical and language barriers make our relationship challenging. Other times it brings such great joy.

When we agreed to host an exchange student in our home, I never thought I was signing up for this kind of long-term commitment. But I was open to being used by God; and I trusted Him each step along the way.

I have been immensely blessed by Pedro, Rosa, Rafa, and the rest of his family. They were a conduit for the Lord’s healing to be manifested with the passing of my mother several months after Pedro returned home. (That is the story published in Journeys to Mother Love.) Rosa is my Sister in Christ. I am a proud benefactor of Pedro’s music (pgarbona.com), and relish our friendship.

Pedro & his American family from Seattle, July 2010, a match made in heaven.

Be the Blessing

We never know how God is going to use some small act of kindness to bless us or others. I hope you will give heed the next time He nudges you to do something outside of your comfort zone. The blessing may just be on the other side of obedience.

2 Comments

by ardisanelson on July 2, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Faith & Hope, My Spanish Connection, Relationships & Family

Tagged educational exchange program, encouragement, family, friendship, God's timing, gratitude, hope, Journeys to Mother Love, My Spanish Connection, obedience, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, Portman, relationships, Seattle, Tempting Fate, The Piano Studio - Seattle, trusting God

Posted by ardisanelson on July 2, 2015

https://ardisanelson.com/2015/07/02/not-your-typical-exchange-student-experience/

Memories: A Musical Adventure by Pedro González Arbona

If you found your way to this post you must be a fan of the music of Pedro González Arbona, or film music in general. In my last post about Pedro’s latest CD, Memories, I gave my readers a glimpse into the making of his CD. In this post, I am taking you on a musical adventure of the sound, movement, and artistic beauty that these songs entail. (Click on any of the song names in this post to sample or purchase the song through Amazon.)

Memories: A Musical Adventure

Have you ever noticed when you watch the beginning of a film how the music fills the theater as the name of the movie, main actors, director and key production personnel appear on the screen? It is a glimpse into the music to come. Often it is blending of some of the songs for that movie, or maybe a medley like an overture in a musical.

Memories starts in the same way with track 1, aptly named “Opening Titles.” It is a large and extravagant piece that showcases Pedro’s musical talent and ability to draw the audience into the songs (or scenes) that follow.

Track 2 is one of Pedro’s most beautiful compositions, “The Great Beauty.” What can I say about a song whose title sums up the music that it portrays? Delicate, soothing, and distinctive notes from the piano, oboe, harp, and building up to the addition of some mellow horns. Yes, it is a great beauty! (Select the song title on the media player on the right sidebar to hear this song in full.)

I first heard this beauty a few months before the screening of Pedro’s new movie, Tempting Fate. I was already privy to his submitted work on the Tempting Fate soundtrack. This piece seemed to take his work to an even higher level. Yes, his work is (was) destined for the big screen.

There are several other songs on this CD that are soft songs that would accompany slow or romantic movie scenes. Some songs may lend themselves to a sad scene with strings accentuating the mood.

Which mood is really up to the listener. They are all magical. Included in this variety are “Memories,” “Dreams,” “The Crime,” “Ordinary Lives” (listen on the music player in the right sidebar), “Green View,” “Autumn,” and “Learning from Life.”

Memories contains several songs geared more on the dramatic side. “Chaos” sounds like a scene right out of a drama or suspense film. Riveting music that builds and takes you along with the action, glued to the music and the movie, awaiting the finale.

Another large song is “Flying.” This song reminds me of a patriotic piece or something maybe in a war movie. It takes me back to movies from years ago. I can envision an old black and white movie playing as the victory is won in a waging battle.

“Epic” is a song meant for a dramatic or suspenseful scene as the music builds. The music (and the scene) end with a slow fade. If action movies are your favorite genre, then “Action Theme” will be the song for you. This song was used by KevStel, producer of Tempting Fate, in a short trailer alert for the movie, but was not on the soundtrack released in February 2015. Watch the video below to check out how they used this dramatic music.

The last song on the CD is a sentimental favorite of mine, “Kalinda.” This is Pedro’s first song that was composed for a movie. It dates back to February 2013 when he first started to experiment with adding strings and other instruments to his piano compositions. It was used as the trailer music for Thirst for Love, a Spanish short film directed by Chani Bas. Check out the video below to watch the trailer and listen to “Kalinda.”

Hear it for Yourself

Memories is really music for the movie that is yet to be written. It is from the movie in Pedro’s mind. In time, some of these songs may accompany a movie in a theater near you. Until then, please support Pedro’s music dreams by purchasing his CD, reviewing the music online, and liking his professional Facebook page, Pedro González Arbona, composer.

Want a copy for yourself? Here’s the purchase links and methods to listen to his music:

Digital Downloads

Streaming

Or purchase the physical CD through my site.

For more information about Pedro González Arbona and his music, visit pgarbona.com. Stay tuned for more updates on Pedro’s musical career and breaking news about the premiere of Tempting Fate across Nigeria and Ghana in July.

1 Comment

by ardisanelson on June 24, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in My Spanish Connection, Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged CD Baby, iTunes, KevStel Group, Memories, movie composing, music, music projects, My Spanish Connection, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, Spotify, Tempting Fate

Posted by ardisanelson on June 24, 2015

https://ardisanelson.com/2015/06/24/memories-musical-adventure-by-pedro-gonzalez-arbona/

Making “Memories,” a CD by Pedro González Arbona

My desk and my mind are cleared of the clutter and busyness of life. The most amazing music is engulfing me, stirring my senses, and begging me to share its beauty and my joy with the world.

What am I listening too? It is the new CD by my favorite musical protégé and composer, Pedro González Arbona. Memories is Pedro’s latest foray into the music and film scoring business.

Pedro’s Musical Background

In the three years since Introducing Pedro González Arbona, his debut album, was released, Pedro’s music has grown by leaps and bounds. His first album was a collection of his earliest solo piano compositions performed on a Steinway Concert grand piano in a recording studio in Seattle. It was a gift for his 18^th birthday while visiting from Madrid. It was a monumental day for us both.

I’ve written a lot about Pedro’s love for music and how it was nurtured and inspired at an early age by cinema. Now his work has matured and blossomed into full orchestral music that rivals the likes of other famous film composers that he admires, like John Williams (Star Wars), Hans Zimmer (most recently Interstellar), and Alexandre Desplat, winner for Best Original Score for The Grand Budapest Hotel at this year’s Academy Awards.

I don’t say this to boast, although it is hard for me to be impartial. I say this because, at Pedro’s request, I’ve been immersing myself in various film scores over these last few years as well. I hear the similarities and have been captivated by Pedro’s music. Not just listening to it, but also as I witnessed it on the big screen at the VIP screening of his movie Tempting Fate, last July in Houston.

Pedro knows music!

Making Memories, the CD

While I was in Madrid last fall, Pedro and I met over dinner one night to discuss his next CD project. On another night in Madrid, he played one of his newest songs for me, “Opening Titles.” He was fully engaged in the music, as if conducting the orchestra with an invisible baton. This was Pedro’s first orchestrated piece, complete with pages and pages of sheet music. Watching his delight in the final cut of this piece, and immersing myself in the music, was one of my best memories while on this trip to Spain.

A proud moment in Madrid: “Opening Titles” plays through Pedro’s sound system as he reviews the sheet music.

Although we collaborated in the production of the CD, it is truly his project from start to finish. He designed the album cover, titled the album, and naturally, composed the music. I brought his vision to completion by working in America with our music distributor, CD Baby. They make worldwide sales and distribution via iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and other internet music sites easy for any artist.

Pedro’s album cover design (above) conjures up feelings of old time movies, before the age of digital technology, with strips of film negatives pinned to a clothesline. Which scenes will make the final cut of the movie? Which songs will make the final cut of the CD?

Selecting the Songs

It was a difficult process to select the final 14 songs for this CD. The music was mostly composed over the last year during a period of prolific musical and artistic inspiration. I received some of the songs along his composing process. I’ve collected a large archive of his music over the past four years from his various film and internet projects or impromptu personal musical inspirations.

Some of the pieces included on the CD were composed for the Tempting Fate film, but didn’t make it to the final cut of the movie. As I’ve come to learn, it is just part of the film composing process. It gives Pedro the opportunity to showcase them on his CDs or use on other projects. (The soundtrack to Tempting Fate is available on Amazon.)

Pedro also collaborated with orchestrators (credited as ‘featuring’ in the track titles) to provide the professional sound quality and feel to his music. The final 14 songs showcase the variety of Pedro’s music composing ability.

The easiest way for me to describe this album is to say that even though it was not written for a specific movie or movie scenes, it is just like a soundtrack. The songs conjure up a wide breadth of emotions that are commonly experienced in a movie: romance, suspense, action, drama, mystery. You’ll be hooked after the first song! I certainly was.

So in my next post about Memories, I will take you on a behind the scenes musical adventure through his latest album. Until then, you can preview one of my favorite songs “The Great Beauty” on Soundcloud or by selecting the song on the media player in the right sidebar on this page.

For more information about Pedro González Arbona and his music, visit pgarbona.com. Memories is available for your immediate listening pleasure through any of the links below:

iTunes
Amazon
CD Baby
Or purchase the physical CD through my site

You can show your support for this young artist’s music career by liking his page on Facebook, Pedro González Arbona, composer.

1 Comment

by ardisanelson on May 21, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in My Spanish Connection, Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged Alexandre Desplat, CD Baby, following your dreams, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Memories, movie composing, music, music projects, My Spanish Connection, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, Spain, Spotify, Tempting Fate

Posted by ardisanelson on May 21, 2015

https://ardisanelson.com/2015/05/21/making-memories-cd-pedro-gonzalez-arbona/

Going Gaga for the Academy Awards

I woke up yesterday morning to see a flood of social media attention to the 87^th annual Academy Awards show. That is nothing unusual on the day following the annual telecast. What stood out was not people weighing in on the winners and losers, but on “The Sound of Music” tribute performance by Lady Gaga.

Going Gaga for the Sound of Music

I am not a Lady Gaga fan, but I am a big fan of “The Sound of Music.” Her performance was incredible, giving me new respect for her musical talent. She was a stunning vision of beauty in a shimmery white sleeveless evening gown and long blonde hair that caressed her bare shoulders. (I was a bit distracted by her obvious love for tattoos, and tried to look past that to enjoy the overall performance.) The stage setting was also beautifully choreographed, with a background of white birch trees, surrounded by a virtuoso of violinists, and framed by twinkling lights arched over the stage.

If you missed her performance, you can watch it here.

I’ve written about my connection with “The Sound of Music” on other occasions—once after attending a Sound of Music Sing-A-Long event, and another post during my adventures in Spain. I felt inspired to write a post about this again the night of the Oscars but decided against it.

“How silly to write about the Academy Awards,” I thought to myself.

After all, isn’t it just an awards show geared to the rich and famous, and full of Hollywood hype? Truthfully, that used to be my opinion of it, not really paying much attention to the awards, and rarely seeing the nominated films. That has changed in recent years with my Spanish connection and friendship with Pedro González Arbona, a young film composer.

Going Gaga for Nominated Films

Every year, Pedro sends my family his Oscar predictions and posts them on Facebook. He also sends me personal reviews of which movies he thinks I would like, taking into account my dislike of violence and my Christian values. My front row seat to his blossoming music career has also given me insight to the world of film composing. He shares his favorite composers and film music with me as well.

A few days ago, my family went to see “The Imitation Game,” nominated for Best Picture and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role. It was a great movie. As a writer I was drawn into the way they told the story, interweaving the past and present from the perspective of Alan Turing (played by Cumberbatch). I loved the history, especially having now traveled to Europe. I loved the unfolding of the story and the development of the characters. And I loved the music!

the-imitation-game-poster

At the end of the movie, I patiently waited for the name of the composer to appear on the screen. As I watched the credits scroll before me and was immersed in the music, I thought how the music sounded like Pedro’s music. I thought, “Pedro can compose like this.” I’ve seen and heard it before. Regrettably, I didn’t do my homework before going to see the movie or I would’ve paid more attention to the music. That is because the film was scored by Alexandre Desplat (also nominated for Best Original Score)—Pedro’s favorite composer.

Going Gaga for Film Music

I only caught the tail end of the Academy Awards show, rushing home from a meeting at church, just in time to catch Lady Gaga’s amazing performance. Pedro was watching the show live (televised starting at 3 AM in Spain) and texted me during the performance. We both have a love and connection to this musical. He played the music in our home the summer we met and attended a live performance of the musical in the mountains near Leavenworth, Washington. It was a very special and memorable evening.

At the end of the performance, Julie Andrews came out on the stage, hugged Lady Gaga, and thanked her for such a fitting tribute to the movie. Julie Andrews proceeded to introduce the nominees for Best Original Score and made some opening remarks about how music cements our memories in the film going experience.

Pedro texted me: “Here is the moment.” He was predicting Alexandre Desplat to win for “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Earlier in the day he said to listen for his scream if Alexandre won the award.

Alexandre did win the award! I let out a squeal myself. Moments later my phone pinged his response: “Incredible,” Pedro texted me. “Did you hear me scream?”

“Si, y mi?” I texted back. (English translation: Yes, and me?)

Alexandre Desplat acceptance speech for Best Original Score/The Grand Budapest Hotel (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Why was I so excited? Why was I so engaged in the Oscars and interested in this award category? Because I believe in Pedro’s dream, and I know how important film composing is to his future.

However, I’m not the only one. After last year’s winner was announced for Best Original Score (Steven Price for Gravity), Pedro received an email from the producer/director of his movie “Tempting Fate,” offering the same kind of encouragement to Pedro. He sees the possibilities in Pedro.

A few minutes after Alexandre Desplat accepted his award, Graham Moore was announced as the winner for Best Adapted Screenplay (The Imitation Game). In his acceptance speech, he mentioned his attempted suicide as a teen because he felt “different and weird.” He encouraged young people watching at home to keep believing in themselves and that one day they would have their moment. It was truly inspiring.

Going Gaga for Our Dreams

For me, the Academy Awards show is about people working hard, believing in themselves (against the odds) and fulfilling their dreams. Just like I believe Pedro will one day. He has the talent and the gift of composing beautiful music. With a little luck, and I believe the Lord’s favor, he will walk across that stage one day, or at least be nominated, if not in America, in Spain for their prestigious Goya Awards.

So watching Lady Gaga and the 87^th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday night was very personal to me. My heart has been blessed with the sound of music:

Pedro’s simple piano playing of the Rogers & Hammerstein classics,
Pedro’s first solo piano compositions (Introducing Pedro González Arbona),
Pedro’s movie soundtrack pieces for “Tempting Fate,” and most recently
the release of his full orchestral album, Memories.

Memories, available worldwide on iTunes, Amazon & Spotify

I went gaga for Lady Gaga’s tribute to the musical that has touched my life, and I continue to go gaga for the future of Pedro González Arbona. (I am his American manager after all.)

Congratulations Alexandre Desplat and all the winners and nominees of the 87^th annual Academy Awards. Dream on!

3 Comments

by ardisanelson on February 24, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Faith & Hope, Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged Academy Awards, Alexandre Desplat, encouragement, following your dreams, Julie Andrews, Lady Gaga, movie composing, music, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, Tempting Fate, The Sound of Music

Posted by ardisanelson on February 24, 2015

https://ardisanelson.com/2015/02/24/going-gaga-academy-awards/

Tempting Fate in Houston, Part 2 ~ The Movie Screening

In Part 1 of this series on the Tempting Fate VIP movie screening in Houston on July 4^th, Pedro González Arbona had performed at the pre-screening Meet and Greet, walked the red carpet and was interviewed by local media that was on site that evening. Now it was time for the main event, the screening of Tempting Fate.

Almost Show Time

We individually filed into the theater where the screening was to be held. Our names had to be crossed off the attendee list before we were allowed to enter so there was a bit of a backup to enter the theater. Oh my aching feet…the swelling and pain in my sprained foot were making it harder and harder to patiently wait our turn to enter the theater.

When we did we were directed to sit in one of the two rows of seats reserved in the center of the theater for actors and VIPs. We sat sandwiched between the actors as we waited for the start of the movie. Ramsey Nouah, winner of the 2010 African Academy Award for a lead role in Figurine, was seated to my left, and actress Trinitee Stokes on Pedro’s right.

The audience, can you spot us in the crowd?

Kevin Nwankwor, the producer/director/writer of Tempting Fate, was introduced and gave a few remarks to prepare us for the screening.

Let the Movie Begin

When the movie and the music started on the full sized theater screen, I’m sure my heart must’ve skipped a beat. I knew Pedro’s music better than anyone there, except for Pedro, of course. I had been captivated by these melodies and the moods they conveyed for as long as Pedro had been composing them. They were the sounds of drama, action, brotherly love, romance, and sadness. And now here they were larger than life for all to hear.

It was a strange feeling at first for me. Being so personally familiar with the music, it was hard to separate my emotion and pride for Pedro’s work from watching the movie. Initially there was a lot of chatter going on during the movie. There were cheers at times and some laughter too. At first it was a distraction for me.

However, as the plot began to unfold on screen and the characters’ relationships became intertwined, I got carried away in the story. That is to say I was thoroughly engaged in the movie. I didn’t want it to end. And when it did, I wasn’t the only audience member with tears streaming down their face. Pedro’s song, “Requiem,” was playing in the background of the gripping final scene, adding impact and emotion with his music. It was simply beautiful.

As the credits began to roll up the screen, the audience was clapping and cheering for the movie. Pedro’s name was one of the few with his name listed alone on the screen: Music Composed by Pedro González Arbona. Bravo Pedro!!!

Director Commentary

After the credits rolled off the screen and the lights came on, Kevin Nwankwor, the producer and director came to the front of the theater to address the audience. Kevin shared his passion for the project and how difficult it was to make the movie. His desire was to make it as much like a multi-million dollar movie as possible, but with the low budget that he had. And he accomplished it all in two weeks!

Director Kevin Nwankwor addresses the audience.

He finished his commentary by sharing the message he wanted people to take away from the movie, and what he learned as a result of the project:

First, you don’t have a second chance in this life. Like the brothers in the movie, you don’t know what will happen in the future. You can’t do it by yourself. It is God. Do your best, work hard. But do the right thing.

Whatever it is you believe that you want to achieve, I want you to know that you can always achieve it. The Tempting Fate movie has made me to understand that in this life nothing is impossible.

Applause filled the theater as the audience showed their appreciation and agreement with Kevin’s comments.

Q & A and More Photos

Next on the scheduled events was an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of the cast and crew. Several of the actors were asked about how they got into character for their roles.

I patiently waited and wondered if someone would ask Pedro a question; and they did. He was asked about the composing process. Pedro stood up, and was acknowledged by the audience for his music. He shared how he started by reading the script and making notes in the margin to identify scenes to add music too. Then he begins composing the music.

Pedro fields a question from the audience.

At the end of the Q & A session, the night was not over yet. Photographers and the press were still at the event, so the red carpet media frenzy continued longer into the night. Pedro mingled more with the actors and crew. I followed along with my camera and met people as well.

An End to the Fairy Tale

An after-party was planned at Zanzibar Lounge, in downtown Houston, into the early morning hours. We graciously declined the invitation. Pedro was still dealing with jetlag and sleep-deprivation from his 2-day travel ordeal. As much as I didn’t want this night to end, I knew my feet (sprained foot) wouldn’t be able to tolerate any dancing anyway.

At the end of Cinderella’s night at the ball, her carriage turned back into a pumpkin. In much the same way, our fairy tale evening didn’t have such a smooth ending either. Although the hotel was only two miles from the theater, we got lost and spent almost an hour aimlessly driving around Sugar Land, TX. Dead cell phones, no GPS, and closed services on the 4^th of July all contributed to our sense of frustration and exhaustion. Thankfully we met someone in a parking lot who could direct us back to our hotel.

When we pulled into the hotel parking lot, the limousine was parked outside waiting to take the cast and crew to the party. Next time, I suspect that’ll be Pedro’s carriage.

When the clock struck midnight on July 4^th, 2014, our day to remember was emblazoned forever in our minds, not as a fairy tale, but as a dream come true—with more on the way for the cast and crew of Tempting Fate.

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Post Screening Update: Exciting things are definitely ahead for this movie. In the two months since the Tempting Fate screening, KevStel Group has been working on the release of the soundtrack with Pedro’s original compositions, a new music video was shot in LA for the theme song, and they announced that the movie will be widely released in Nigeria on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015.

(Many photos for this post are courtesy of KevStel Group. You can view other photos on the Tempting Fate Facebook page.)

Updated 2/12/2015: The Tempting Fate soundtrack with Pedro’s music released today and is available on Amazon and iTunes. The movie release has been rescheduled to July 17, 2015 across Nigeria.

5 Comments

by ardisanelson on September 4, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged Christian movie, following your dreams, forgiveness, iTunes, KevStel Group, movie composing, music, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, Ramsey Nouah, Tempting Fate

Posted by ardisanelson on September 4, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/09/04/tempting-fate-houston-movie-screening/

Tempting Fate in Houston, Part 1 ~ On the Red Carpet

When I last wrote about Pedro’s Tempting Fate* premiere in Houston, we were en route to the theater. No limousine treatment for Mr. Pedro González Arbona. That was reserved for the cast arrival later. I was Pedro’s chauffeur for the night, and he was stuck with me. No chauffeur’s cap like he suggested, but I bet I was the best dressed chauffeur at the event. (His real limousine ride will happen in due time.)

Pedro arrives at the theater for his American composing film debut.

I had many roles for Pedro that weekend. I was his image consultant, his photographer, his personal biographer, his publicist and his manager. Best of all, I was his friend. At any given moment it was hard to separate which role I was playing. As his benefactor and producer of his first CD, I was grateful to be there for his American movie debut. It was all in God’s timing, for sure.

At the Keyboard

We arrived at the venue for the sound check, before all of the festivities started, and in advance of the other cast and crew. Our first introductions were to Doyin Fashakin, the event planner (Events By Doyin). It was her smooth talking and quick maneuvering that got the keyboard at the event on such short notice. (Muchas gracias, Doyin!)

Pedro turned on the keyboard and started to practice, but there was no sound coming out of the auxiliary sound system! I prayed silently—no more problems in Houston. He fiddled with the cable connections a bit and music soon wafted through the theater reception area. (Answered prayer, thank you, God!)

A musical temptation straight from Madrid, Spain.

What a delight it was to watch him play some of the soundtrack songs I’d been listening to for the last several months. At one point, he threw in a sentimental favorite, Seattle, from his first CD. No one was the wiser except me. I proceeded to take plenty of photos and some video of Pedro performing.

On the Red Carpet

I didn’t know what to expect at this event. I’d seen Hollywood premieres and red carpet events publicized on TV in the past. It always looked so glamorous. It seemed to be reserved for the biggest stars, and the beautiful people in Hollywood. But here we were.

This was Pedro’s opportunity to bask in the limelight and to be acknowledged for his fantastic movie soundtrack. I wanted to make sure that I fit in with the crowd as well. Like most Hollywood actresses, I spent hours shopping for just the right dress, jewelry, shoes and so on. After all, it was my fairy tale moment too.

On the red carpet with Pedro at the premiere of “Tempting Fate”.

At the first break in Pedro’s music, we were asked by some fans to have our picture taken with them. Those were posted on Facebook within minutes; and that was the start of the social media frenzy that ensued for the movie. I was too busy with my digital camera to post online that night. However, I did get some photos back to Pedro’s family in Spain. I was also proud to be handing out Pedro’s business cards and pointing people to his Facebook page. Like, like, like.

Then we strolled over to the red carpet area. The red carpet was laid down on an area between a row of life-sized movie posters to the left and a row of photographers and videographers on the right. As you exited the second floor elevators into the event reception area you would walk right onto the red carpet and right into the line of paparazzi. There are photos all over Facebook at Tempting Fate and Simon’s Aperture.

Pedro's interview with Unsenika Usoro from Afro Centric Television Network.

Pedro’s interview with Usenika Usoro from Afro Centric Television Network.

Media Interviews

We plunged into the fun and had our photos taken together. Sky Houston, from Majic 102.1 radio station in Houston was on the red carpet interviewing people. She asked Pedro how he heard of the event. When he said he was the soundtrack composer, she interviewed him on the spot. I introduced myself as well, but let Pedro do all of the talking. He later said he was nervous, but it didn’t show.

Pedro’s second interview was with Usenika Usoro from Afro Centric Television Network in Houston. Again Pedro did all of the talking, as I graciously walked off camera after our initial introductions. That gave me the opportunity to get photos of Pedro during his interview.

Cast Arrival at the Meet & Greet

Pedro performed on and off during the ‘meet and greet’ portion of the event. People mingled and munched on fine appetizers and drinks in advance of the movie screening. The Houston sky turned dark and a deluge of rain, thunder and lightning swept across the region just as the limousine carrying the actors arrived at the theater. We watched from the balcony above as they did some publicity photos in the main theater lobby.

Watching overhead as the cast and crew arrive.

As luck would have it, the storm caused the power to go out to some of the theaters, but it did not affect our reception area. It was also at this opportune time that the elevator lost its power and some of the actors were stuck between floors. “Satan really doesn’t want this movie to get out,” I thought to myself as I sent another prayer up above.

Pedro meets John J Vogel, who plays Detective Travis in the movie.

When the power was restored and cast members started to have their turn at the red carpet treatment, the atmosphere turned more energetic and full of anticipation for the movie screening. The cast had spent two weeks together filming the movie ten months earlier and now they were reunited. They had formed a bond over the project. They were like family, and the celebration certainly had that sort of feel to it.

Pedro on the other hand had watched the movie many times as he synchronized his music to the scenes. He intimately knew the lines and the characters, but he never met the actors. He was like an invisible collaborator, working remotely from Madrid. He was very excited to meet everyone.

Kevin Nwankwor, the producer/director of Tempting Fate, is interviewed by Sky Houston, Majic 102.1 radio station.

We watched from the sidelines as the actors and producers were interviewed by the media. We had some brief opportunities to meet some of the cast. They all knew who Pedro was and heard rave reviews of his music. Pedro also finally met Kevin Nwankwor, his producer, face to face after almost exclusively communicating via email over the last ten months.

We were all here for the same reason. We were eager and excited to see the VIP screening of Tempting Fate. Stay tuned for the next post on Pedro’s musical pursuits to hear about the Tempting Fate movie.

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*Wondering where you can see this movie for yourself? Tempting Fate was produced by KevStel Group, an independent production company based in Atlanta. They are seeking distributors for release in 2015.

UPDATE 07/05/2016: Tempting Fate premiered in Lagos, Nigeria, during an all-star red carpet event in July 2015. It ended up being one of the top 10 Nollywood movies of 2015. (Nollywood is the Nigerian movie industry, based in Lagos.) The movie is one of the top 25 movies of all time in the Nollywood film industry. The movie is available to rent or purchase on Amazon or other streaming movie site. Pedro’s music and other beautiful music from the movie is also available on Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, and other music sites.

7 Comments

by ardisanelson on July 31, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged Christian movie, following your dreams, God's timing, KevStel Group, movie composing, music, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, prayer, Seattle, Tempting Fate

Posted by ardisanelson on July 31, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/07/31/tempting-fate-in-houston-part-1-on-the-red-carpet/

Lights, Camera, Action, Part 3 ~ Creating a Movie Soundtrack

Here I sit late night typing away on my laptop rushing to write a post of great significance with the current goings-on in my life. I am listening to some beautiful music to help put me in the mood to write. I know it will because in one month, this music will be larger than life on the big screen. And that is what this post is about…

I’ve dreamed of that day for the last several years, ever since I took my Spanish son into a recording studio and produced his first CD. July 4, 2014 is the day when the music of Pedro González Arbona, the musical protégé whose career I help manage, will fill the theater as it accompanies his first full-feature American film, Tempting Fate. I feel blessed beyond words to join Pedro in Houston, Texas for the private VIP screening of the movie.

The Early Stages

Pedro signed the contract with KevStel Group, an Atlanta-based production company, for Tempting Fate while I was staying with his family last summer in Spain. Within days we were on holiday on Mallorca, an island off the southern coast of Spain, without access to a piano.

We both read the script while on holiday. I sat poolside one day and read the page-turning script in one sitting. Tears welled up at the corner of my eyes as I read through the last scene. I could already see the music that Pedro would create for the poignant movie finale. It was perfect for him and his music.

That script was all Pedro needed to start composing in his head and making notes in the margins on what kind of music to add to a scene. And he was on his way to scoring the soundtrack.

Pedro at work in his studio.

The Music Comes to Life

Over the next several months, Pedro worked remotely composing and orchestrating the soundtrack from his studio while the filming was done in Hollywood. After the film was done, he worked his magic to synchronize the music to the scenes—editing, revising, and composing on the fly to make the music work in tandem with the movie.

One of the most exciting parts of the process for Pedro was to be in the studio with the musicians who were hired to record the music—a pianist, violinist, percussionist, and guitarist. An American soprano was hired to sing as well.

Throughout the filming and post-production stages, Pedro’s music started to trickle out onto the internet. KevStel used his music for various promotional videos, as background music on their website (with the soprano), and finally, on the Tempting Fate movie trailer, released March 28, 2014. I waited and watched in eager anticipation all along the way.

Post-Production Plans

When the conversations turned to the release of the movie a few months ago, we both had much anticipation for how or if we would be able to attend the pre-release screenings. He was of course invited, but travel from Madrid would be costly. After much back and forth planning and juggling, we both committed, and a few days ago finally secured our travel to Houston.

As the countdown calendar on the right sidebar of my site turns from months to days, we have turned our attention to rolling out a new website, registering a new domain name, and creating other promotional materials to coincide with the release of the film. The Tempting Fate soundtrack CD will be available in the coming months—and you’ll be able to enjoy it like I have as I wrote this piece.

Finally, the main purpose of the screening is for media exposure and to line up distributors for the film. You can help with that by creating a positive buzz about the movie and the music through your regular social media channels. So please ‘like’ the Tempting Fate Facebook page (over 10,000 likes already) and share the movie trailer (almost 20,000 views so far) with your friends (or share this post).

Let the Fireworks Begin

Over the course of this movie project, my role was very minimal. Pedro would occasionally send me a song and gave me updates on the film’s progress. I learned a great deal from him about the process. I basically served as an encourager and #1 American fan of his music—as I have from the start. I think my biggest contribution was to pray for him, his music, and the success of the movie.

It is definitely an exciting time for Pedro and his music career. I’m incredibly grateful that I get a front row seat (maybe literally) to watch all of this unfold. I know there is no place else I’d rather be on July 4, 2014, than alongside Pedro as his music hits the big American screen.

While everyone else in America is outside watching the fireworks, we’ll be inside this Houston theater experiencing our own private fireworks display across the screen. I think this day will be an Independence Day celebration we will never forget!

This post is listed on Christian Mommy Blogger/Fellowship Fridays and Missional Women/Faith Filled Friday.

6 Comments

by ardisanelson on June 4, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in My Spanish Connection, Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged celebrations, Christian movie, following your dreams, gratitude, KevStel Group, milestones, movie composing, My Spanish Connection, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, Tempting Fate

Posted by ardisanelson on June 4, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/06/04/lights-camera-action-part-3-creating-a-movie-soundtrack/

Lights, Camera, Action, Part 2 ~ Always Together Film Premiere

It’s been a few months since I last wrote about the budding music career of my protégé, Pedro González Arbona. That last post, Lights, Camera, Action, Part 1 ~ Making Music in Spain, was about my music collaboration with Pedro while in Spain last summer. Part 2 of this series highlights Pedro’s experience at his first short film premiere, for Always Together, last December.

Pedro’s first short film collaboration
with Chani Bas.

Pedro’s First Film Contacts

It was in February 2013 when I got the fortuitous email from Pedro announcing that a famous Spanish film producer was interested in hiring him to compose for a movie. Although Pedro was not hired for that particular project, the producer was interested in his work. That first interview aligned Pedro with other contacts in the Spanish film industry and launched his film composing career.

Pedro’s first short film, A Thirst for Love, premiered in Madrid while I was in Spain last summer. Unfortunately we were on holiday in Southern Spain at the time and couldn’t attend.

Pedro's second short film collation with Chani Bas.

Pedro’s second short film collaboration
with Chani Bas.

Pre-Premiere Planning

So last December there was much anticipation and excitement for attending Pedro’s first movie premiere. Of course, I could not attend as I was back home in the States. That didn’t stop me from spreading the word though.

While I was living in Spain last summer, I met Pedro’s director and friend, Chani Bas. I continued my contact with Chani after leaving Spain, and in lieu of my own attendance at the premiere, asked him for invitations for some of my personal Spanish contacts. But there was one catch—it was to be a surprise for Pedro.

I invited friends that I met at the Protestant church I attended one day in Madrid. I also invited a few Spanish bloggers I met online since my return to the States. The bloggers couldn’t make it, but thankfully my Spanish friends could.

Pedro and his family at the Always Together premiere.

The Premiere

Although I wasn’t at the premiere, I had a virtual front row seat as I heard about it firsthand from Pedro, through Whatsapp (international messaging) on the day of the event, Skype calls afterward with Chani and Pedro, and emails from my other friends. I so appreciate their including me in the event from 5,300 miles away. This allows me to share it with my friends, family, and readers as well.

When I awoke on the morning of the premiere that Saturday in December, Pedro was just getting ready for the evening event at the Artistic Metropol Theater in Madrid. (Madrid is nine hours ahead of PST.) When Pedro and his family arrived, there was a long line of guests outside waiting to get in. Inside the excitement was building with a standing room only crowd of several hundred people.

Chani Bas, director of Always Together, who is also a talented magician, performed a short magic act, with two other magicians to commence the event. Chani made some initial comments about the film and then invited Pedro to speak about the soundtrack composing process. The theater burst into applause for almost two minutes, in appreciation and validation of Pedro’s previous collaboration with Chani on Thirst for Love. Pedro was naturally nervous, so much so that he forgot his speech at home. Luckily he was able to quickly gather his thoughts while waiting to speak.

Minutes after this photo was taken, Pedro takes the stage to address the audience.

Pedro Addresses the Audience

“I would like to thank Chani Bas for giving me the opportunity to work in this area that I love. He asked me to make this speech about how I make the music for his short films. We have a good relationship. After the end of Thirst for Love, Chani asked me to create the soundtrack for Always Together.

I was inspired to write the music by reading the screenplay. I read the screenplay, figuring out where the music should go and what kind of music was needed. I tried new sounds because I like to create new music. The soundtrack was completed in July, and the shooting was in August. So Chani knew the themes as he shot the film. He planned the scenes with the music in mind. It was a great collaboration.”

Pedro with his director, Chani Bas.

The Short Film—Always Together

Chani returned to the stage and introduced the film. Always Together tells the story of a family separated by divorce, where Andres, a selfish teenager, doesn´t care about his young brother, Felipe. When Felipe disappears, Andres has to face the pain and uncertainty of his brother’s fate. After the film was over guests had an opportunity to meet and have photos taken with Chani, Pedro and the movie’s actors.

Please take a few minutes to watch the short film, Always Together, below.

Even though there are no English subtitles, the acting (and music) are so good that the language does not cause a barrier to understanding the message and meaning of the film. The film is now circulating through international film festivals. It has been nominated for Best Foreign Short Film in several countries.

Best Foreign Short Film nomination in Mexico.

With More to Come

In the months since the premiere of Always Together, Pedro has continued to expand his musical influence in the film industry. He will join Chani on his next short film project, I Dedicate my Dream. Pedro is hard at work on his first professional full-feature American film, Tempting Fate, the contract he signed last summer during my visit to Spain. It is an amazing soundtrack. The CD and movie will be released this summer.

There is much more in the works and some surprises in store as well, but I’ll keep you in suspense until my next post in this series on Pedro’s musical pursuits. In the meantime, check out the Tempting Fate site for more information. Below is a video teaser for the movie with some of Pedro’s music. (See the right sidebar on my site for a countdown to the VIP private screening of the movie in Houston, TX on July 4th.)

If this is your first time hearing about the music of Pedro González Arbona, check out his website at pgarbona.com or “The Music” page on my site for more information about how his music was discovered. You can support his music career by liking his Facebook page, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, Composer.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Updated 5/26/2014: The Tempting Fate movie trailer was released on 3/28/2014. It already has nearly 18,000 views. There is also a Tempting Fate Facebook page you can like for updates. Below is the trailer with Pedro’s soundtrack music. 38 days until it hits the big screen!

This post is listed on Christian Mommy Blogger/Fellowship Fridays.

3 Comments

by ardisanelson on March 5, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in My Spanish Connection, Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged Always Together, Chani Bas, following your dreams, KevStel Group, movie composing, music, My Spanish Connection, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, Spain, Tempting Fate, Thirst for Love

Posted by ardisanelson on March 5, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/03/05/lights-camera-action-part-2-always-together-film-premiere/

WELCOME to my site!

I'm an author, writer, speaker, mentor & mom. I've struggled to find my voice all my life as I lived in the shadows of a mother with mental illness. Thankfully that was not the legacy that she handed down to me. It took a lot of recovery and deep healing work to rise above it.

I am thankful to God for Making Me Bold in the process. Now I use my writing and speaking voice to help others on their journey to turn healing into hope.
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© Ardis A. Nelson and MakingMeBold, 2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ardis A. Nelson and MakingMeBold with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

All posts tagged piano compositions

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THE MAKING OF TEMPTING FATE’s SCORE by Pedro González Arbona

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Songs Composed by Pedro Gonzalez Arbona

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THE MAKING OF TEMPTING FATE’s SCORE
by Pedro González Arbona