Blending rigorous research with bold musical storytelling, Golden City is scheduled for its Massachusetts premiere in MIT’s new Thomas Tull Concert Hall. In this pre-concert talk, Zenón will share insights into his compositional process, the historical narratives behind the music, and how complex social histories translate into sound. Drawing from extensive historical research and interviews, Zenón illuminates California’s past—from its indigenous communities and Mexican period to the Gold Rush and waves of Asian migration—through a dynamic and deeply personal musical lens. Golden City is a showcase of Zenón’s masterful saxophone work alongside a formidable trombone-centric horn section, guitar, piano, bass, and percussion.
