Grammy-nominated composer and bandoneón virtuoso JP Jofre has released his newest piece, The Fifth Season, a deeply personal composition born during the 2020 lockdown. The release features an impressive lineup of collaborators: violinist Karen Gomyo, pianist Ayako Kanisasere, and JP Jofre himself on bandoneón.
“I had long hoped to collaborate again with violinist Karen Gomyo after our memorable performance at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music with Kathryn Stott,” said Jofre. “The opportunity aligned perfectly while I was in Tokyo for a concert with shō player and pianist Ayako Kanisasere. We recorded the piece at Tokyo Opera City Studio, with the brilliant sound engineer Kohán.”
Jofre explained that The Fifth Season was inspired by the uncertainty of the early pandemic period. “It was born in Manhattan during the 2020 lockdown. Amidst the uncertainty of that time, I imagined what the future might hold — when suddenly, the main theme of the piece came to me. It carried a mix of hope and sorrow that moved me deeply,” he recalled. “A few weeks later, I received a commission from violinist and music director Michael Guttman and pianist David Fung. I decided to develop the themes, already captivated by the first eight bars.”
Hailing from San Juan, Argentina, Juan Pablo Jofre Romarion — known professionally as JP Jofre — has earned international acclaim for his expressive compositions and mastery of the bandoneón. His music has been recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and 16-time Grammy winner Paquito D’Rivera.
In addition to his recordings, JP has delivered lectures and performances at Google Talks, TED Talks, and The Juilliard School. He has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Taiwan National Concert Hall, Seoul Art Center, Morlacchi Theatre in Italy, and Beijing National Theatre.
The Fifth Season represents not just a new work, but a reflection of resilience and emotional depth that continues to define JP Jofre’s evolving artistic journey.
