Abuela (TBB)

I started writing “Abuela” in January 2026 to celebrate my amazing grandmas and their legacy through us. Unfortunately, I was a few days shy of showing one of them the song when she suddenly passed away in February of the same year—the recording I was supposed to surprise her with turned into the song at her funeral. Not being able to travel to Venezuela and be with my family was devastating. Still, I was glad to see my family together, celebrating the life of such a wonderful woman.

The text of this piece includes so much from my grandmas, both of whom raised their family mostly on their own, always showing up strong for the challenges in life (and there were many!). Their faith always led them to share and help others, not only through prayers but through actions that changed people’s lives. I hope I can be as strong as my grandmas, Toña and Rosa, and to love, serve, and give as generously as they do/did.

I hope “Abuela” includes grandmothers in the choir, singing or conducting, playing the piano, or even in the audience, along with their grandchildren. If this happens, please email me at composer.cordero@gmail.com!

-Carlos Cordero