Striking a New Chord: Violinist Amir Kadamani Gonzalez Joins Springwell

In May 2025, Springwell Senior Living celebrated a milestone: ten years of partnership with the Peabody Institute’s Musician-in-Residence (MIR) program. The anniversary highlighted not only a decade of music but also the friendships, memories, and moments of joy that this unique collaboration has brought to residents.

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Springwell was the first senior living community to host a Peabody Musician-in-Residence back in 2015, when guitarist Julien Xuereb moved in and began weaving music into the fabric of daily life here. Since then, the program has welcomed an array of talented young musicians — from pianists and lutenists to cellists and flutists — each leaving their own imprint through concerts, open rehearsals, and the kind of spontaneous performances that make ordinary days feel special.

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This year, Springwell is proud to introduce its newest resident musician: Amir Kadamani Gonzalez, a violinist and composer from Colombia who is pursuing his Graduate Performance Diploma at the Peabody Institute under the mentorship of Herbert Greenberg.

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ABOUT AMIR

Amir has already built an impressive career. He has performed as a soloist with the Cali Philharmonic and the Xaverian Orchestra, and has held leadership roles as concertmaster and principal with ensembles such as the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Colombian Youth Philharmonic. His chamber ensemble, the Setas Piano Trio, competed internationally and performed in several festival residencies during the summer of 2025.

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But when you speak with Amir, his focus is less on accolades and more on connection. “I am a violinist and composer with a deep passion for collaboration and communication — particularly in chamber music, where I believe meaningful artistic exchange can empower both performers and audiences,” he explains.

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MUSIC AS A BRIDGE

For Amir, the residency at Springwell is about more than sharing performances; it’s about making music feel personal. “The Artist-in-Residence position offers an exceptional opportunity to make music truly personal and relevant to individuals, a mission that resonates deeply with me.”

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That sense of mission has shaped his career since he was young. Growing up in Colombia, he sought out opportunities to use music in service of others, from hospitals and schools to senior living communities. In high school, he even created a TEDx concert and talk exploring Shostakovich’s “Eighth String Quartet” with an audience that had been affected by armed conflict. “Presenting this to a community deeply affected by the armed conflict in Colombia was a profoundly meaningful experience that shaped my commitment to using music as a medium for healing and connection,” he recalls.

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One of the most personal moments came closer to home. When his grandmother was in intensive care with pneumonia, Amir brought his violin to the ICU each day. “Despite her slim chances of survival, I felt compelled to perform for her and the other patients, hoping that my music could convey my love and provide comfort during that difficult time. Miraculously, she recovered, and the heartfelt testimonials from nurses and patients … cemented my commitment to building deep community bonds through music.”

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LOOKING AHEAD AT SPRINGWELL

Residents can expect Amir to bring not only classical favorites but also music that reflects his roots. “I am particularly excited to bring my perspective as a Colombian-born artist, sharing works by underrepresented Latin American composers and fostering meaningful cross-cultural dialogue,” he says.

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During his time at Springwell, he will be performing concerts, offering opportunities for residents to engage with him directly, and creating informal musical moments that invite participation and conversation. “Ultimately, I aim to translate the inspiration and insights gained from this residency into new educational and performance projects both at home and abroad, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic musical landscape,” he adds.

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A DECADE OF MUSIC AND CONNECTION

The Musician-in-Residence program has become a defining part of life at Springwell, and one that is now nationally recognized as a model for intergenerational engagement through the arts. For residents, it means music is not just something to listen to — it’s something to live with.

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As Springwell marks ten years of this innovative partnership, welcoming Amir feels like the perfect way to begin its next chapter. With his artistry, his heart for community, and his belief in music’s power to heal and connect, residents can look forward to another year filled with harmony and inspiration

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