Allen Torres

Allen Paulino Torres Castillo, born in San José on 25 March 1955, is a Costa Rican composer and trombonist regarded as one of the most gifted creators of his country's new generation. His career has unfolded almost entirely in Costa Rica, within the musical life of the capital.

He obtained his secondary school certificate at the Castella Conservatory, where he later taught harmony. Between 1982 and 1986 he studied composition at the University of Costa Rica with Flores Zeller and Benjamín Gutiérrez Sáenz, and he completed his training with masterclasses under Atehortúa, Ginastera and Paul Winter. As a trombonist, he served as principal trombone of the Castella Symphony and performed with several chamber groups.

His connection with the conservatory drew him towards the performing arts and dance, which allowed him to write numerous pieces for theatre and ballet. Many of them, among which the musical comedy El delfín del corobicí and the ballet Yaga y el hombrecillo de la flauta (1996) stand out, premiered with ensembles and productions linked to the conservatory.

His standing is reflected in several invitations and premieres. In 1988 he was invited by the Union of Composers of the Soviet Union to the Leningrad Music Festival. In 1994 he took part in the Sixth Caribbean Composers' Forum, held in San José, where he presented Variaciones sobre una cimarrona for brass quintet. The National Symphony Orchestra premiered Tres acuarelas in 1992, and in 1996 the Castella Symphony unveiled Gran danza sinfónica, dedicated to Arnoldo Herrera, then director of the conservatory. This last work earned him the Ancora Prize from the newspaper La Nación.

His catalogue includes works for stage, choir, orchestra, chamber ensemble and band, reflecting his role as a composer closely tied to the musical practice of his country.