Homegrown: Pedro Sanjuán (1886-1976)

By Laura-Clare Thevenet

Spanish-born American conductor, teacher, and composer Pedro Sanjuán eventually landed in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1942 where he become the Professor of Composition at Converse College. Before he came to the states and became a naturalized citizen, he started his career as a trained violinist and studied composition with Turina in Madrid. Sanjuán’s career later took him to Havana, Cuba, where he founded and conducted the Havana Philharmonic. His composition pupils included Cuban composers such as Roldán and Caturla.

His later symphonic compositions often included Afro-Cuban rhythms; however, Sanjuán’s piece for guitar Una Leyenda was suspected to be written before this influence as it emulates a more romantic Spanish style. Una Leyenda will be performed by Wofford professor Dr. John Akers. Philharmonic patrons might recognize him from the many times he has graced the Music Sandwiched In stage.