Kimberly Sanchez Rael, Chair of the Board of Regents at the University of New Mexico | The University of New Mexico
Sardinian ethnomusicologist Diego Pani will serve as a Fulbright Scholar in Residence for the next 10 months at The University of New Mexico (UNM). He and his wife will be hosted by UNM Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology and Anthropology, Kristina Jacobsen, who has previously conducted ethnographic fieldwork on the Mediterranean island.
Pani, a native of Santu Lussurgiu, Sardinia, is a filmmaker, singer, and manager of musical patrimony at the Istituto Superiore Regionale Etnografico. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and also manages Talk About Records, a DIY record label specializing in blues, rock and roll, and punk music.
As part of his role as a Fulbright Scholar in Residence, Pani will stay in New Mexico until May 2025 with his wife Elena Cabitza. He will teach a class on Sardinian multipart singing open to the public on Tuesday nights. Additionally, he will offer two courses: "Audiovisual Frames: Experiencing Music Through Video Making" and "D.I.Y.: The Ethos, Aesthetics, and Modes of Production of Do It Yourself in Music." These courses will include guest speakers, field trips, hands-on activities, weekly readings, film viewings, and final creative projects.
During his stay in New Mexico, Pani aims to begin preliminary work on an ethnographic documentary film focusing on the music of Genízaro communities in northern New Mexico.
Jacobsen met Pani eight years ago during her solo songwriting tour in Sardinia. Since then they have collaborated both academically and musically. In 2018 Pani visited UNM to give a research talk.
The course "Audiovisual Frames: Experiencing Music Through Video Making" targets upper-level undergraduates and master’s degree students. It explores the intersection of music culture and audiovisual media through theory and practical application. Students will create projects capturing Albuquerque's diverse music scene.
In the course on Sardinian multipart singing UNM students and community members will delve into traditional music deeply connected to Pani’s background. “Multipart singing is one of Sardinia's most vibrant folk music traditions,” explained Pani. “Each area has unique styles techniques song traditions.” Students will learn two songs from different variants working in groups.
"D.I.Y.: The Ethos Aesthetics Modes Production Do It Yourself Music" examines how DIY spirit from punk rock influences modern music production featuring real examples guest speakers covering visual aspects like album art zines concert posters highlighting connection between music visual expression.
“I’m excited to dive into Albuquerque's rich diverse culture fully immerse myself New Mexico experience," said Pani adding that he looks forward to deepening expertise through lens documentary film collaborating with UNM’s academic community shaping teaching research while working new documentary project focused on New Mexico community its connection sound.”
