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Fuensanta Mendéz
Fuensanta is a singer, double bassist, composer, improviser & multidisciplinary artist born in the water forest of Veracruz [Mexico] and based in Amsterdam.
Born in 1995 in Tlalnelhuayocan. Grew up to a dancer & choreographer mother, radio producer & choir singer father, and two sisters in a household with books, contemporary music and Latin American folklore. Was a dancer until age 13, when she decided to be a singer for life after first singing lesson. Started through private classes with voice ensembles & percussion. Then studied vocals, piano and double bass at JazzUV in Xalapa (Veracruz) and theater & Son Jarocho (folkloric music of Veracruz) in high school. Moved to The Netherlands in 2015 to study at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, from which she graduated summa cum laude in 2019 in a recital with her Ensamble Grande, that became first live album. She debuted her compositions in Europe at Prinses Christina Jazz Concours in 2016, with 1st place & and an invitation to play with her quintet at North Sea Jazz, also was Jóvenes Creadores national grant for young composers in Mexico in 2018. Played as bandleader & solo around Europe, as well as collaborations in improvised music & interdisciplinary projects as a musician and poet.
Fuensanta collaborates with artists such as Louis Cole, Han Bennink, Ben van Gelder, Genevieve Artadi, Reinier Baas, Aaron Parks, Kit Downes, Sun Mi Hong, Tineke Postma, Ben Wendel, Sanem Kalfa, Teis Semey, Joris Roelofs, Nawras Altaky & Magalí Datzira.