Flute Almanac is proud to congratulate Manuel Carranza Cueto, Peruvian flutist, composer, and a valued member of our editorial team, on the selection of his work Picaflor de Nazca, Op. 22 for two flutes, for performance at the 2025 National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. The NFA Convention is recognized as the world’s foremost gathering of flutists, and this distinction marks an important milestone for contemporary Peruvian music on the international stage.
The piece will be featured during the convention’s Sunday morning session on August 10, 2025 (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.), and will be performed by two acclaimed artists: Laurel Swinden (Canada) and Sini Rueda (Peru). Both flutists are active advocates of new music and have demonstrated a deep commitment to the dissemination of Latin American repertoire. Their collaboration on this performance brings together two continents in a shared artistic vision — one that highlights the expressive power of the modern flute duo while celebrating cultural identity.
Composed in 2023, Picaflor de Nazca draws its inspiration from the ancient geoglyphs of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru — specifically the iconic hummingbird figure, whose stylized wingspan etched into the earth has fascinated generations. Carranza Cueto translates this image into sound through delicate interplay, soaring lines, and rhythmic vitality that evoke the bird’s swift, hovering movement. Rooted in Peruvian sensibilities yet framed within a contemporary idiom, the work is emblematic of the composer’s artistic voice — one that merges regional tradition with modern compositional language.
Born in 1973, Carranza Cueto has established himself as a significant presence in both performance and composition. A former member of several major symphony orchestras in Lima, he has increasingly focused on creating music that reflects his cultural heritage while engaging with a global audience. His works have been performed across the Americas and Europe, and are published through leading platforms such as Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct.
Beyond his creative output, Carranza Cueto plays an essential role in the international flute community as Director for South America at Flute Almanac. In this capacity, he actively connects flutists, composers, educators, and institutions across the continent, bringing visibility to the rich and diverse traditions of South American flute music. Through his curatorial work and artistic leadership, he helps shape a more inclusive and representative global flute landscape — one in which voices from across Latin America are heard, valued, and celebrated.
This upcoming performance at NFA 2025 represents not only a personal achievement but also a broader cultural moment. It underscores the growing presence of Peruvian music in international programs and affirms the power of artistic collaboration to transcend borders. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Manuel Carranza Cueto, Laurel Swinden, and Sini Rueda for bringing this important work to the world stage.
Muchas gracias estimada Yulia por valorar mi humilde contribución al repertorio de flauta latinoamericano. Crear una obra que muestre sonoridades e impresiones de mi ancestral cultura peruana y que sea apreciada por los flautistas del mundo es, sin lugar a dudas, un sumo placer. Eternamente agradecido por tu apoyo y tu consideración.
Muchas gracias estimada Yulia por escribir un artículo tan bello sobre mi composición “Picaflor deNazca” Op. 22 para dos flautas. Es, sin lugar a duda, un gran placer poder difundir sonoridades e impresiones musicales sobre la antigua cultura peruana y así contribuir al repertorio de la nueva música latinoamericana al mundo. Siempre agradecido por tu apoyo y consideración hacia mi trabajo. Muchas bendiciones para ti.