Florida Atlantic University professors Alejandro Sánchez-Samper and Matt Baltrucki from the Department of Music in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters have received their fifth Latin Grammy nomination. The recognition is for the album “Milonguín,” which features the Giovanni Parra Quinteto performing original works by Colombian bandoneonist and composer Giovanni Parra.
The album was recorded in September at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and released through Hoot/Wisdom Recordings, the university’s record label. Sánchez-Samper served as producer, recording engineer, and mix engineer for the project, while Baltrucki worked as recording engineer and mastering engineer. FAU alumni Sam Miller and Firat Akarcali contributed as assistant engineers.
The quintet has previously been nominated for four Latin Grammys under its former name, Quinteto Leopoldo Federico. According to the release, “This nomination, the first under the name Giovanni Parra Quinteto, reaffirms that trajectory and marks a new artistic stage for the group.”
Earlier albums by the ensemble—‘Bogotá-Buenos Aires’ and ‘Pa’ Qué Más’—were also recorded at FAU in 2015 and 2017 respectively, both released through Hoot/Wisdom Recordings.
At this year’s Latin Grammys, Giovanni Parra Quinteto is noted as being “the only Colombian representative in the Best Tango Album category at the 2025 Latin Grammys,” which underscores both their work and increasing international attention to tango produced in Colombia.
Hoot/Wisdom Recordings operates two advanced recording studios on campus. It is among a small number of university-based record labels and has released more than 30 albums to date. More information about Hoot/Wisdom Recordings can be found at hootwisdom.com.
