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Meet Sergio Lopez-Figueroa (Composer, pianist, and social Innovator in music and mental health).
Sergio López-Figueroa is a dynamic composer, pianist, and social innovator whose work bridges the worlds of music, mental health, and social impact. As a classical composer with a rich history of collaborations, he has carved a unique path, blending creativity with purpose.
Mark introduced Sergio to Arts and Culture Network and had an insightful discussion into his work. Whisking up another fantasy cultural year, the two finished their interview off with the light lifestyle preferences game - The This or That game.
Sergio’s personal journey fuels his mission to use music as a medium for healing and emotional connection. His innovative methodologies, such as Polyhum, demonstrate how sound and community music can improve well-being.
Sergio López-Figueroa began his journey as a classical pianist and composer, studying piano and composition in Italy and later earning advanced qualifications in film music from the National Film and Television School (UK) and Bournemouth University. This strong foundation in the arts set the stage for a career defined by creativity and compassion.
In the early stages of his career, Sergio gained international recognition for composing live scores for silent films. His music for Un Chien Andalou was awarded at the Rimusicazioni Film Festival and performed at prestigious venues like the Berlin Film Festival and Tate Modern.
Over time, his artistry evolved into a platform for social engagement, as he discovered the profound potential of music to connect and heal.
In 2008, Sergio’s innovative approach earned him the European MEDEA Award for using audiovisual media to preserve historical memory and enhance education. The following year, he collaborated with the British Council on a transformative project in India, bringing music and film to socially excluded children in Delhi. He later shared insights from these initiatives at international conferences, including a forum hosted by the Polish Minister of Culture.
As a cancer survivor, Sergio embraced his experiences as a catalyst for change, focusing on the intersection of music, mental health, and social innovation. His development of Polyhum, a methodology that combines creative mindfulness with polyphonic humming, exemplifies his commitment to emotional well-being.
Launched in 2016, the initiative blends vocal vibrations and community music to cultivate empathy, resilience, and healing. He has applied this approach to work with autistic children, special education learners in London, and wider communities impacted by isolation and stress.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sergio expanded his reach by delivering virtual training sessions. By 2023 and 2024, he was commissioned by the SGAE Foundation to create global courses on emotional self-care for artists and creators, further cementing his reputation as a leader in innovative music education.
Click on the image below to view Sergio's creative portfolio:
Returning to Gran Canaria in 2022, Sergio launched Polyhum Canarias, a project funded by the Canary Islands Government’s Sinapsis program. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, survivors, and their families through musical creativity and choral collaboration.
Sergio’s dedication to community well-being extends beyond music. As a mental health facilitator trained at Middlesex University, he actively integrates participatory practices and digital tools to enhance public engagement. He has worked as a creative consultant, a campaigner for housing justice, and a music educator for individuals with special needs. His visionary social enterprise, Humming in Harmony, reflects his belief in transforming mental health care into a co-creative process of well-being.
Today, Sergio continues his multifaceted career as a composer, community musician, and piano teacher at the Professional Conservatory of Music in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. His innovative projects and unwavering commitment to social change position him as an inspiring force for creative and emotional resilience worldwide.
With a career spanning continents, genres, and disciplines, Sergio has emerged as a pioneer in harnessing music for social transformation.
Check out Sergio's SoundCloud below:
Click the image below to learn more about Polyhum:
Sergio's fantasy cultural year and This or That game
Sergio's cultural year unfolds as an inspiring journey of music, creativity, and emotional healing. As a classical composer, pianist, and community musician, Sergio explores global opportunities while connecting deeply with his passions and heritage.
Home Base
Starting in Havana, Sergio begins his fantasy cultural year with a reflective moment by the Caribbean Sea, sipping Cuban coffee and reading Patrick Süskind's Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.
Research in Cuba
Supported (in our fantasy year) by a wealthy New York Family Foundation, Sergio embarks on a year-long research project in Cuba, focusing on the interplay between music and health. This exploration of the therapeutic potential of music is enriched by collaborations with local neuroscience students. Sergio chooses to immerse himself in rock music for 12 months as part of an experimental study limiting his listening to one genre of music.
Musical Inspiration
While composing, Sergio is drawn to the polyphonic depth of Mahler’s symphonies and the raw energy of Latin rock. His ongoing EU-funded project supporting the emotional well-being of cancer patients and their families continues to thrive, blending music and healing.
Inspirational Performances
A contemporary Flamenco dance performance featuring Sarah Barras leaves Sergio captivated by its raw emotion and technical brilliance.
Immersive classical concerts and a commissioned piece for saxophone trio, accordion, and piano highlight Sergio’s creative versatility.
Cuisine and Community
Sergio savours Mediterranean-Indian fusion dishes during creative dinners, fostering conversations with local artists and musicians. His love for wine complements these gatherings, enhancing the vibrant cultural exchange.
Fantasy Cultural Evenings:
Monday: A Queen concert electrifies the week.
Tuesday: An Oscar Wilde play brings humour and wit.
Wednesday: The musical Phantom of the Opera and the opera La Bohème inspire through timeless storytelling.
Thursday: Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi captivates with its poignant melodies.
Friday: A screening of Three Colours Red sparks introspection and awe.
Unfinished Works Revived
Sergio revisits Dilemma Concertante, an unperformed piece selected by the UK’s Society for Promotion of New Music. With Mark Walmsley’s support, a community-driven effort brings the piece to life in a triumphant debut.
Personal Touches
Favourite Building: The Empire State Building, reflecting Sergio’s admiration for architectural grandeur.
Leisure: Open-water swimming in Havana, blending physical vitality with natural beauty.
“This or That” Choices: Spontaneity over planning, words over numbers, and an active lifestyle.
Celebratory Milestones
The fantasy cultural year concludes with Sergio’s success in securing a book deal, TV show, and TED Talk. A celebratory lunch with guests like Isabella Rossellini, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, marks the culmination of this transformative year.
Sergio’s Cultural Year showcases his profound connection to music, culture, and emotional expression, blending personal and professional achievements into a vibrant, inspiring narrative
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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