| Keyword |
Description |
| Award |
A prize given to someone for doing something very well |
| Memory |
Something you remember from your past |
| Instrument |
An object used to make music, like a guitar or piano |
Gabriela Ortiz is a Mexican woman who writes music and has won important Grammy Awards. She wrote a special piece called “Dzonot” for cello and orchestra, inspired by the water-filled caves, or cenotes, in Yucatán. This piece and the album “Gabriela Ortiz: Yanga” won several Grammys and made her famous in the world of classical music. Gabriela says this project is very special because it comes from her memories, her family, and her love for Mexican history.
Gabriela grew up in Mexico City in a family of musicians and started playing instruments like the charango and the guitar when she was young. She studied music in Mexico and later in London, where she learned even more and started creating new kinds of music. Now she writes music for big orchestras, works with famous conductors like Gustavo Dudamel, and teaches at a university. Her story shows that someone from Mexico can use talent and effort to reach big stages around the world.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Orchestra |
Orquesta |
| Famous |
Famoso |
| Instruments |
Instrumentos |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think winning a Grammy is important for Gabriela Ortiz?
- How can music show the history of a place like Mexico?
- What instruments would you like to learn and why?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Write about a person you admire and explain why they inspire you.
- If you could write a song about your town or city, what things would you talk about?
