Manuel M. Ponce 　　Manuel M. Ponce (1882-1948), one of Mexico's most beloved composers, was a brilliant educator, performer, music critic, arts advocate, folklorist, and international music ambassador. His music represents an eclectic mix of large scale works, salon pieces, traditional folk music, and popular songs. In addition to over ninety piano pieces, Ponce also composed for guitar, chamber ensembles, orchestra, and voice. He received Mexico's National Prize for Arts and Sciences in 1947. 　　 　　Laura Dean 　　Laura Dean's music career spans twenty years and includes venues throughout the United States, Europe, and Mexico. Laura is dedicated to the repertoire of culturally diverse composers and features art music from around the world. With her keen interest and experience in Pan American composers, she regularly includes Manuel Ponce, Stephen Foster, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Louis Gottschalk, Amy Beach, and George Gershwin, to name a few. 　　 　　 A combined love for music, performance and education has lead her to include vibrant concerts and residencies for young audiences, offering a variety of music curriculum including piano classes, singing, world music, recording projects, music history, and multi media music experiences. She is a featured artist on the Washington State Roster of Teaching Artists. 　　 　　In preparation for this project, Laura traveled to Mexico City where she studied Spanish, researched the music of Manuel Ponce, met his "spiritual son", Carlos Vasquez, and played these pieces on the piano that once belonged to Ponce.