Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in traditional Mexican Music. It has always captured my attention. I used to really get excited to hear a danzón or a son jarocho, and, fortunately, that interest has become a fundamental part of my artistic work. Most of my works contain a national, and often regional root. As is well-known, Mexican music has many branches, ranging from danzón to mariachi.

When Dr. Messier approached me, I was immediately overcome by the urge to compose a...