Dr. Gomez has focused his research studies on Iberian choral genres formed as a result of Spaniards traveling throughout the world due to either forced or self-decided means. One such genre is the habanera. He has discovered that the habanera was a 19th-century rhythm and dance that originated in Havana, Cuba during the Spanish colonization of the Island. The Spanish migrants returned back to Spain with the newfound sensual rhythms and experiences from Havana. These were fused with Iberian Romanticism to produce a new choral art form and repertoire. The style caused an immediate impact on the continent, with composers such as Bizet featuring the style in an aria in his opera Carmen.
The choral habanera has continued to delight audiences and ensembles throughout the 20th century and culminated in the founding of a highly regarded yearly choral competition in Torrevieja, Spain. Interestingly, this still thriving genre has little awareness outside of Spain. Dr. Gomez’s dissertation To Cuba and Back: The Origin and Evolution of the Polyphonic Choral Habanera provides awareness and understanding of this fascinating choral art form and repertoire.
Dr. Gomez’s other areas of focus are the Villancico, Spanish Renaissance choral music, and Northern Spanish choral forms. He also maintains deep knowledge and experience in directing concert programs of medieval, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary music genres. Dr. Gomez regularly presents at music education conferences in which he leads sessions on the music of Spanish-speaking counties. He also often offers clinics on conducting for the teacher, which focuses on core conducting concepts, gestures, and practices essential for the school choral director.