Cecilia Esquivel, Latin American Music

Cecilia is a versatile Latin American vocalist that has learned to capture the essence of several musical genres, specializing in Brazilian music, American Jazz and South American folk music. She sings in Spanish, Portuguese and English.

In her native Argentina, Cecilia Esquivel studied at the National Conservatory of Music. She moved to Washington in 1984 to continue her studies in vocal jazz performance.

Cecilia holds a BA in Music Performance from the University of Maryland, where she studied jazz under Ronnie Wells and Ron Elliston. She also holds an LCSW-C degree from the Catholic University of America. In her performances and workshops, she combines her knowledge of music and social work to reach individuals with a variety of learning styles, educational challenges and emotional difficulties.

As a member of the group Cantaré, Latin American Music, Cecilia performs Latin American music for audiences of all ages in schools, libraries, festivals and major public venues. She also teaches workshops and residencies.

In addition, Cecilia is very active in the Washington area music scene. She performs both as a soloist and with ensembles, and does studio work as a singer, arranger and recording producer. Her work has earned her repeated recognition from the Washington Area Music Association (see Awards to the right).

Latin American music, Brazilian jazz, Latin jazz, music of Argentina, music of Brazil, Latin guitar, Latin songs, South American music

Washinton Area Music Association

• 2009 WAMMIE Nominee - Best Latin Music Vocalist, Cecilia Esquivel
• 2008 WAMMIE Winner - Best Latin Music Vocalist, Cecilia Esquivel
• 2007 WAMMIE Winner - Best Latin Music Vocalist, Cecilia Esquivel
• 2006 WAMMIE Nominee - Latin Music Duo, Cantaré
• 2006 WAMMIE Nominee - Latin Music Recording, Evaluna
• 2005 WAMMIE Nominee - Children's Music Duo, Cantaré
• 2005 WAMMIE Nominee - Children's Music Recording, Al Agua Pato
• 2004 WAMMIE Winner - Best Latin Music Vocalist, Cecilia Esquivel
• 2004 WAMMIE Nominee - Children's Music Duo, Cantaré
• 2004 WAMMIE Nominee - Latin Music Duo/Group, Cantaré
• 2003 WAMMIE Nominee - Children's Music Duo/Group, Cantaré

Parents' Choice Foundation

• 2006 Winner of a Parents’ Choice Award for Al Agua Pato CD

Cecilia’s group Cantaré, Latin American Music has released 3 recordings: two CDs for children – Baila para gozar (2002) and Al agua pato (2005) and one CD for adult audiences – Evaluna by Cantaré and Friends (2005).

In addition, in 2006 Cantaré recorded the companion CD for the award-winning book Arrorró mi niño: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games by renowned children's author and illustrator Lulu Delacre.

 Cecilia is currently working on a duets recording of Brazilian, Jazz and Argentinian standards with guitarist Dani Cortaza and pianist Harry Appleman. You can hear some of the songs on the Song Files page.

Check out my arrangements of Latin American Choral Music

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