Novelist and songwriter Roma Calatayud-Stocks holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota. After additional studies at the University of St. Thomas, and in line with her life passion of honoring world cultures through history, music, and the arts, she started a professional career in music composition and historical fiction writing.
Roma’s debut album, Carnival of Life, was released in 1998. In 2002 she created Latin Renaissance, a celebration of Latin cultures sponsored by the Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Calatayud-Stocks served as Artistic Director and Producer of this concert, showcasing the work of Latin composers from the 19th Century to the present including the world premiere of her waltz “Vals Del Sol“.
In 2011, Calatayud-Stocks debut historical novel, A Song in My Heart, was published (E-Book in 2012). This award-winning book in several categories including Multimedia experiences, Arts, Best Novel Historical, Multicultural, and Crossgenre fiction also includes a CD with an original musical score to accompany and complement the narrative. This work is the literary and musical realization of years of study, research, composition, and artistry. Roma incorporated classical, jazz, and Latin musical influences as she composed A Song in My Heart’s fourteen vocal and instrumental compositions. To produce the album, she enlisted the talent of recording artist Chan Poling as arranger and performer, as well as that of other musicians of note.
The next book in the trilogy, StrikingThe Right Note is expected to be published in 2014.
Ms. Calatayud-Stocks is available for speaking engagements and Arts Educational workshops on these topics: Music History, Music, Art and Traditions from Latin America and Around the World, and Writing Historical Fiction.
Contact: www.RomaStocks.com
