Matinee Idylls concerts give audience members a small ensemble concert experience in an intimate setting, followed by a dessert reception and opportunity to speak with the artists. The final installment in our 2024–25 Matinee Idylls series spotlights the Juan Megna Trio (3/5). The trio is led by Argentinian-born Megna, a George Mason University alumnus and Dewberry School of Music professor who is a percussionist and drummer with expansive musical influences.
“My music is deeply inspired by the melodies and rhythms of Afro-Brazilian traditions,” Megna said. “My sound is shaped by both my formal education and my experiences on the road, which allows me to blend technical expertise with the organic influences of lived musical encounters. Through my original compositions, I strive to create a bridge between my personal journey and the rich cultural heritage that inspires me.”
Megna came to the George Mason community in 2017 as a Doctor of Musical Arts student and thankfully, stayed on as a professor and leader of the School of Music Latin American Ensemble.
“Being a music educator keeps me artistically fresh and constantly evolving,” Megna said. “My students bring new ideas, perspectives, and repertoire to our discussions, challenging me to stay engaged with emerging musical trends. I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by such passionate learners, it pushes me to grow, adapt, and refine my own artistic voice. This continuous exchange of knowledge and creativity inevitably influences my music, making it more dynamic and contemporary.”
Recently, Megna released an album of mostly original compositions: the Mariwô Project. The music, inspired by traditional melodies and rhythms of the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé, also fuses Argentinian sounds.
Megna shares: “Mariwô has been a long and rewarding journey. Having lived in Brazil for over 13 years, my compositions are deeply rooted in my engagement with Afro-Brazilian communities. During my doctoral studies, I had the opportunity to experiment with and refine this repertoire alongside my ensemble, shaping the music into what it is today. The album came to life through an intensive two-day studio recording, featuring a phenomenal quintet and guest artists. We also captured the essence of the project in a recorded live performance, which is available on my YouTube channel. Now, I’m thrilled to bring this music to the Hylton Performing Arts Center in a trio format, accompanied by two amazing musicians from Brazil: José Luiz Martins on piano and Artur Carneiro on bass. It will be a special afternoon of rhythm, energy, and storytelling through sound.”
Tickets for the Juan Megna Trio on March 5 are available now!