
WHAT WE DO
Showcasing Bolivian Talent
Foundation for Bolivian Artists, Inc. builds community and provides opportunities through its programming and events. Kantuta Concerts, our main series, promotes previously undiscovered Bolivian talent in an annual recital. And, our three-pronged approach is transparent, creating equity for those interested in our programs.
We invite you to apply!
SCHOLARSHIP
Through a competitive application process, Bolivian musicians have the chance to perform in the annual Kantuta Concerts scholarship recital. This recital celebrates Bolivian musicians by providing an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a broader audience on some of the most renowned stages of the United States.
EXCHANGE & DISCOVERY
Bolivia, a country rich in cultural heritage, often remains underrepresented in various industries, including classical music. Together, we aim to bridge this gap by presenting the exceptional talents of Bolivian musicians through Kantuta Concerts. By fostering collaborations and inspiring dialogue, we aim to cultivate a lasting impact that transcends boundaries and encourages cultural exchange.
ACCESS
We recognize that financial constraints often hinder talented individuals from pursuing their passion. That's why our mission is to provide equal opportunities for all aspiring musicians by eliminating these obstacles. We believe that talent should be the sole criterion for participation in programs, auditions, and festivals. Therefore, we have removed application fees, ensuring that everyone who meets our application criteria can apply without any financial burden. Furthermore, thanks to the generosity of donors and private funding, we are able to offer scholarships to deserving individuals selected for our programs. Once chosen, these scholarship recipients will not incur any costs associated with their participation. We firmly believe that financial limitations should never hinder the pursuit of musical excellence.

PHILOSOPHY
Classical music, historically dominated by Western Europe, often overlooks the rich tapestry of musical traditions that exist beyond its borders. We acknowledge that Bolivia, with its vibrant heritage and unique cultural identity, holds a wealth of musical treasures waiting to be discovered and shared with global audiences. By amplifying the voices and talents of Bolivian musicians, we aim to challenge the prevailing narrative and foster a more inclusive and representative classical music landscape.
Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that every musician, regardless of their background or geographic location, deserves equal opportunities for artistic growth, recognition, and collaboration. We strive to break down barriers and provide Bolivian musicians with access to performance platforms, mentorship, and international networks. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower them to express their distinct artistic voices, expand their horizons, and inspire future generations.
Central to our philosophy is the celebration and preservation of Bolivia’s musical heritage. We recognize that Bolivian culture is a mosaic of indigenous, mestizo, and colonial influences, and that these diverse elements contribute to its richness and uniqueness. By promoting Bolivian composers, musicians, and innovative contemporary works, we seek to showcase the immense creativity and musical tapestry that stems from Bolivia’s multicultural society.
Furthermore, we believe that cultural exchange and collaboration are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. We actively seek partnerships and collaborations with international musicians, institutions, and organizations to create opportunities for Bolivian musicians to share their talents on global stages and to learn from the wealth of knowledge and experiences that the world of classical music offers.
Ultimately, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that by nurturing and uplifting Bolivian musicians, we not only enhance their individual artistic journeys but also enrich the global classical music community. We envision a future where Bolivian musicians are recognized as equal contributors to the global musical canon, where cultural diversity is cherished and celebrated, and where classical music becomes a powerful agent of unity and dialogue across borders.
Our Story
Growing up, our founder, Walter Aparicio, noticed he was the only Bolivian in the room, even in his largely Latino community of northern New Jersey.
As he pursued music studies, he found himself connecting more to repertoire that referenced folk music and dance – the music of Béla Bartók & Alberto Ginastera particularly spoke to him. And, when one professor asked him if there were any Bolivian composers whose music he could learn, he realized he never even thought of that possibility.
His search for Bolivian composers began.
He traveled to La Paz in 2001 and visited the National Conservatory. There, he found piano music of Eduardo Caba and Simeón Roncal among others in the library stacks. He immediately connected with these composers and later realized what he had been searching for in other repertoire was now right in front of him – the music of his own people. From then on, Walter has been programming music by Bolivian composers in recitals and has been committed to raising awareness for this corner of the world.


His search for Bolivian composers began.
He traveled to La Paz in 2001 and visited the National Conservatory. There, he found piano music of Eduardo Caba and Simeón Roncal among others in the library stacks. He immediately connected with these composers and later realized what he had been searching for in other repertoire was now right in front of him – the music of his own people. From then on, Walter has been programming music by Bolivian composers in recitals and has been committed to raising awareness for this corner of the world.
Why Bolivia?
Bolivia has a vibrant culture that has always been represented through folkloric dances with colorful & ornate costumes, traditional Andean music with indigenous instruments & sounds, and with skilled artisans who weave intricate textiles, make clay pots & other beautiful crafts. Andean life is synonymous with Bolivia. Even in the United States, Bolivia has been featured in parades, folk festivals and in pop culture – it has been noticed and acclaimed for its unique traditions and customs.
At the same time, Bolivia is less known for its contributions to the classical music world. Our composers are little to unknown and only performed by a handful of musicians worldwide. At Foundation for Bolivian Artists, Inc., we aspire to be the driving force in making these valuable and significant musical contributions known. And, in our ever changing field, musicians are interested and searching for repertoire that speaks to them and represents who they are.
We have made it our mission to uplift talented Bolivian musicians and give them a place to show who they are by playing repertoire that represents their own story. Our organization is especially unique in that we cast a wide net and our reach is extensive.
While we celebrate the traditions of Bolivia that are steeped in folklore, we are excited to offer a different viewpoint, one where we examine how composers who write in the classical tradition communicate the intricacies of the culture. Through our work, we present concerts and artists who currently work on this level of inquiry.




MEET THE TEAM
Board of Directors

Walter Aparicio, Founder & President
Known for the warmth and conviction of his performances, pianist Walter Aparicio has spent his career advocating for the performance of music from Latin America. He has presented workshops and recitals around the country, introducing audiences to rarely- performed works from Bolivia and making connections to dance, language, and folk traditions. These connections aim to inspire inquiry into issues of cultural background and identity.
His debut album, Aires Indios: Piano Music of Bolivia (MSR Classics) features music by Eduardo Caba, Simeón Roncal and Marvin Sandi. These evocative works that draw from Andean folk music are then infused with the stylized vocal quality of Chopin and the barbarism of Bartók. Mr. Aparicio is on the artist roster of Cayambis Music Press, a leading publisher of works by Latin American composers. As a Cayambis artist, Walter champions and records recent works of the publisher’s composers.
As Founder and President of Foundation for Bolivian Artists, Inc., Mr. Aparicio aims to build a community of Bolivian musicians by granting them performance opportunities in important venues in New York City – these programs create visibility and highlight the value and point of view of these artists from a very distinctive cultural background.
Read more about Mr. Aparicio at www.walteraparicio.com

Sergey Shprints, Treasurer
A native of Ukraine, Sergey has resided in New York City for 30+ years with a career spanning 2 decades in digital advertising and operations. He has always been passionate in building teams and communities around the world, with a special focus on Latin America. In his current professional role, Sergey has pioneered the concept of borderless-offices, developing and managing US hubs in México City and Bogotá, for Omnicom Media Group, with 200+ employees, overseeing commercial terms, office interoperability, talent management and capability development. Sergey is also passionate about his NYC community, and as a board member of his COOP, initiated multiple improvement projects that will have a positive impact on the residents.

Evan Kory, Secretary
Evan Kory is a vivid keyboardist with repertoire ranging from the renaissance and baroque to the 21st Century. Kory has performed throughout the United States as well as Canada, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Russia, Australia and China in venues such as Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie’s Weill Hall, Leipzig Bach Archive, Kosciuszko Foundation, Conservatoire de Musique du Québec in Montréal, St. Petersburg Lyceum of Arts Recital Hall, Beijing International Music Festival and others. He recorded the works of J.S. Bach on the Master Performers label. Equally versed in the modern piano and period keyboard instruments, Kory is a graduate of The Juilliard School’s historical performance Masters program and Manhattan School of Music where he completed his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in piano performance. As continuo keyboardist he has performed with The Phoenix Symphony, New York Baroque Incorporated, Inwood Baroque, Olmos Ensemble, and many other chamber groups throughout the United States.