Public examination of the doctoral degree of Naiara De La Puente Vadillo
The artistic entity: The Accordion in Contemporary Chamber Music Repertoire: Aspects on the Artistic Possibilities of Concert Accordion
Thesis: An Overview on the Artistry of the Concert Accordion in Contemporary Chamber Music – A Performer’s Journey Through Shaping Artistic Identity
- The board which assessed the artistic demonstrations: Dr. Veli Kujala (chair), Dr. Mikko Raasakka, Prof. Marko Ylönen, Dr. Helka Kymäläinen, Prof. Geir Draugsvoll.
- Examiner of the thesis: Dr. Diāna Zandberga
- Custos: Dr. Assi Karttunen
Programme
Opening of the Public Defence
Lectio praecursoria
Performances during Lectio:
- Georgina Derbez (b.1968): La Forza, Il Sparvier (2007) for recorders and accordion.
- Erkki Jokinen (b.1941): Rise V (2002) for flute and accordion.
Performers: Naiara de la Puente, accordion, Eero Saunamäki, recorders, Iryna Gorkun-Silén, flute
Statement of the artistic component: Dr. Veli Kujala
Statement of the written component: Dr. Diāna Zandberga
Discussion
Questions from the audience
Final statements
Conclusion of the public examination
About the artistic entity of the degree
In the artistic section of my doctoral degree, entitled “The Accordion in Contemporary Chamber Music Repertoire: Aspects on the Artistic Possibilities of Concert Accordion,” I aimed to investigate and highlight aspects of performance practices related to the accordion’s role in various chamber music ensembles. I examined the artistic possibilities that the concert accordion offers composers, its ability to communicate and interact with other instrumental families, and how composers have utilized its richness to develop their own musical language.
The artistic component of my doctoral work consisted of four concerts, presenting an entirely original accordion repertoire. These concerts were intricately linked to the subject matter of my written work, serving as an experimental element of my thesis. New music served as the overarching theme that united the four performances. Each concert had a distinct theme and was unique, showcasing a range of musical expressions and aesthetics. One of my primary objectives was to explore the various expressive facets of this repertoire within each concert and to challenge myself by performing compositions as a soloist, in duos, and in chamber music ensembles. The concerts aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the repertoire, both individually and as part of the four-concert series.
Over the past decade, I have fully immersed myself in creating music as part of a collective. I find it fascinating to explore the motivations and creative processes of these collaborative musicians. As a result, the contemporary field of chamber music composed for the accordion has become the central focus of my artistic doctoral studies. This research documents the knowledge gained through my personal experience of working in the field of chamber music with various musicians and ensembles featuring different instrumentation. Each musical encounter has represented a unique challenge, as I have sought to delve into and work on musical aspects in a conscious and precise manner to analyze and reflect upon them later.
In addition to providing practical experience for the development of my written work, one of my goals in selecting the repertoire for these concerts was to explore a collection of challenging pieces that I believe led to a more enriched artistic development.
Abstract of the thesis
In my doctoral research, I aim to examine the role of the accordion in contemporary chamber music performance practices through a process of observation, exploration, examination, and reflection as an accordionist. The focus of this project is centered on four doctoral concerts, in addition to my own embodied experience as a professional musician in Finland and Spain, working with various ensembles and musicians.
By integrating artistic processes, outcomes, documentation, interviews, and text, this research aims to contribute new insights and findings to the field of artistic research and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of modern accordion performance, professional career, and education.
This doctoral research project makes an original contribution to the field by exploring new knowledge and understanding related to artistic identity formation, specifically within the community of concert accordionists. By reflecting on the evolving identity of concert accordionists and considering their potential needs, this research sheds light on the present and future directions in the field. In addition to my own experiences and observations, I have relied on the valuable work conducted by predecessors who have researched various aspects of the concert accordion.
The full scope of this doctoral project includes four artistic components (four concerts) and an artistic doctoral thesis comprising an integrative chapter with three interrelated thematic sections. Section One delves into the aspects of the artistic possibilities of concert accordion in contemporary chamber music repertory. Section Two will analyze and examine the evolution of the accordionist’s artistic identity formation, while the final section will provide a personal perspective on the evolving identity of concert accordion players and their potential needs within the field and proposes steps for their continued growth and development in the future.
Naiara De La Puente Vadillo
Concert accordionist Naiara De La Puente Vadillo studied at Musikene—Higher School of Music of the Basque Country (San Sebastián, Spain), and the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, where she earned a Master’s degree and pursued a doctoral degree in the Arts Study Programme, focusing on the role of the accordion in contemporary chamber music.
De La Puente is known for her versatile approach to music, transcending traditional genre boundaries. Her diverse musical interests have led her to participate in a variety of musical projects and ensembles, ranging from classical to contemporary performance. With a deep commitment to contemporary accordion music, De La Puente is dedicated to promoting and disseminating contemporary classical music, collaborating closely with both well-known and emerging composers.
Naiara has given solo recitals and performs as a chamber musician at prestigious venues and festivals both in Spain and abroad. She was recently the invited accordionist at the ISCM 2023 World New Music Congress. Her artistry has been recognized with several prizes in international competitions, and she was nominated for the 17th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2016.
Among her discography collaborations, notable projects include a dedicated album to Ramón Lazkano and a joint project with Paquito D’Rivera and Veleta Roja. She has recorded for the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE), the Spanish Broadcasting Company (RTVE), and the Basque TV and Radio Company (EITB). She has also presented lecture-recitals at international conferences and co-authored articles on artistic research and repertoire for the concert accordion.
Institutions such as the Paulo Foundation, the Sibelius Academy Foundation, and the University of the Arts Helsinki have supported her artistic and research work.
More information
Naiara de la Puente Vadillo
naiara.de.la.puente@uniarts.fi
- The board which assessed the artistic demonstrations: Dr. Veli Kujala (chair), Dr. Mikko Raasakka, Prof. Marko Ylönen, Dr. Helka Kymäläinen, Prof. Geir Draugsvoll.
- Examiner of the thesis: Dr. Diāna Zandberga
- Custos: Dr. Assi Karttunen
Programme
Opening of the Public Defence
Lectio praecursoria
Performances during Lectio:
- Georgina Derbez (b.1968): La Forza, Il Sparvier (2007) for recorders and accordion.
- Erkki Jokinen (b.1941): Rise V (2002) for flute and accordion.
Performers: Naiara de la Puente, accordion, Eero Saunamäki, recorders, Iryna Gorkun-Silén, flute
Statement of the artistic component: Dr. Veli Kujala
Statement of the written component: Dr. Diāna Zandberga
Discussion
Questions from the audience
Final statements
Conclusion of the public examination
About the artistic entity of the degree
In the artistic section of my doctoral degree, entitled “The Accordion in Contemporary Chamber Music Repertoire: Aspects on the Artistic Possibilities of Concert Accordion,” I aimed to investigate and highlight aspects of performance practices related to the accordion’s role in various chamber music ensembles. I examined the artistic possibilities that the concert accordion offers composers, its ability to communicate and interact with other instrumental families, and how composers have utilized its richness to develop their own musical language.
The artistic component of my doctoral work consisted of four concerts, presenting an entirely original accordion repertoire. These concerts were intricately linked to the subject matter of my written work, serving as an experimental element of my thesis. New music served as the overarching theme that united the four performances. Each concert had a distinct theme and was unique, showcasing a range of musical expressions and aesthetics. One of my primary objectives was to explore the various expressive facets of this repertoire within each concert and to challenge myself by performing compositions as a soloist, in duos, and in chamber music ensembles. The concerts aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the repertoire, both individually and as part of the four-concert series.
Over the past decade, I have fully immersed myself in creating music as part of a collective. I find it fascinating to explore the motivations and creative processes of these collaborative musicians. As a result, the contemporary field of chamber music composed for the accordion has become the central focus of my artistic doctoral studies. This research documents the knowledge gained through my personal experience of working in the field of chamber music with various musicians and ensembles featuring different instrumentation. Each musical encounter has represented a unique challenge, as I have sought to delve into and work on musical aspects in a conscious and precise manner to analyze and reflect upon them later.
In addition to providing practical experience for the development of my written work, one of my goals in selecting the repertoire for these concerts was to explore a collection of challenging pieces that I believe led to a more enriched artistic development.
Abstract of the thesis
In my doctoral research, I aim to examine the role of the accordion in contemporary chamber music performance practices through a process of observation, exploration, examination, and reflection as an accordionist. The focus of this project is centered on four doctoral concerts, in addition to my own embodied experience as a professional musician in Finland and Spain, working with various ensembles and musicians.
By integrating artistic processes, outcomes, documentation, interviews, and text, this research aims to contribute new insights and findings to the field of artistic research and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of modern accordion performance, professional career, and education.
This doctoral research project makes an original contribution to the field by exploring new knowledge and understanding related to artistic identity formation, specifically within the community of concert accordionists. By reflecting on the evolving identity of concert accordionists and considering their potential needs, this research sheds light on the present and future directions in the field. In addition to my own experiences and observations, I have relied on the valuable work conducted by predecessors who have researched various aspects of the concert accordion.
The full scope of this doctoral project includes four artistic components (four concerts) and an artistic doctoral thesis comprising an integrative chapter with three interrelated thematic sections. Section One delves into the aspects of the artistic possibilities of concert accordion in contemporary chamber music repertory. Section Two will analyze and examine the evolution of the accordionist’s artistic identity formation, while the final section will provide a personal perspective on the evolving identity of concert accordion players and their potential needs within the field and proposes steps for their continued growth and development in the future.
Naiara De La Puente Vadillo
Concert accordionist Naiara De La Puente Vadillo studied at Musikene—Higher School of Music of the Basque Country (San Sebastián, Spain), and the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, where she earned a Master’s degree and pursued a doctoral degree in the Arts Study Programme, focusing on the role of the accordion in contemporary chamber music.
De La Puente is known for her versatile approach to music, transcending traditional genre boundaries. Her diverse musical interests have led her to participate in a variety of musical projects and ensembles, ranging from classical to contemporary performance. With a deep commitment to contemporary accordion music, De La Puente is dedicated to promoting and disseminating contemporary classical music, collaborating closely with both well-known and emerging composers.
Naiara has given solo recitals and performs as a chamber musician at prestigious venues and festivals both in Spain and abroad. She was recently the invited accordionist at the ISCM 2023 World New Music Congress. Her artistry has been recognized with several prizes in international competitions, and she was nominated for the 17th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2016.
Among her discography collaborations, notable projects include a dedicated album to Ramón Lazkano and a joint project with Paquito D’Rivera and Veleta Roja. She has recorded for the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE), the Spanish Broadcasting Company (RTVE), and the Basque TV and Radio Company (EITB). She has also presented lecture-recitals at international conferences and co-authored articles on artistic research and repertoire for the concert accordion.
Institutions such as the Paulo Foundation, the Sibelius Academy Foundation, and the University of the Arts Helsinki have supported her artistic and research work.
More information
Naiara de la Puente Vadillo
naiara.de.la.puente@uniarts.fi