About Valdez Hill
Opening statement
Valdez Hill is a vibrant individual with a rich tapestry of passions! As a classical pianist, lyrical poet, graphic artist, and avid art collector, he not only creates but also inspires through his published poetry, beautifully expressing himself in countless artistic ways.
Valdez has been on the Board of Directors of the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra (YPSO) since 2007, making him the second-longest-serving board member. He is also the founder and Artistic Director of Giving Concerts. Over the years, he has witnessed significant growth in this program, which has provided a platform for over 395 talented alum artists from the Bay Area and raised money for various charities, including YPSO.
Tribute in Verse and music
The poet’s connection to art is deeply rooted in his life. In June 2022, he held a piano recital as a heartfelt tribute to two immensely influential women: his mother, Eleanor Hill, and his first piano teacher, Angela Archie. His gratitude for them serves as the foundation for two poems: “Two Women, Two Hearts,” which reflects on their significant roles, and “The Gift of Music,” celebrating 59 years of playing the piano. These poems inspired a new book and ongoing series titled “The Circle of Life.” This collection of poems draws on personal experiences, particularly focusing on family relationships, friendships, and his love for his partner, while also celebrating the profound impact of music.
His first two poems, “Leda and the Swan”—a modern take on a famous work by William Butler Yeats—were accepted and published in Moonstone Arts Center’s anthology titled “Remembering William Butler Yeats.” The first poem was published on June 8, 2025. His second poem, “A Symphony of Sound and Fear,” was included in another anthology, titled “Go Back Where You Came From,” which was published on July 1, 2025.
More About Valdez
His commissioned works include “Musaics of the Bay,” a piece created for a musical tribute to pianist, composer, and master teacher Julian White, held at the Valle Maybeck House. He also composed a series of Geisha poems for esteemed textile and print artist Adriana Dedic, and for Melissa Southwell Archie, for a featured open mic poetry reading at Brooklyn Sound Lab in Berkeley, CA. Additionally, he created poems for artist Lavonne Rochon in Benicia, CA.
His poems have been featured at various events, including the Solano Town Center Gallery (FSVAA) in Vallejo, CA; Arts of the Community; Arts Benicia at the Commandant’s House; and Winter’s Litfest 5 and 6 at the Winters Opera House in Winters, CA. Additionally, he has participated in the Poetry, Prose, and Tea Writing Group at the Moonstone Arts Center Press, which includes Zoom poetry readings.
Additionally, the Moonstone Arts Center debuted its first Spanish poem, “El amargo sabor del amor y el dolor” (The Bitter Taste of Love and Pain), on October 5, 2025, as part of an anthology series. This poem was also read at the Feria Latinoamericana del Libro en Philadelphia (Latin American Book Fair) at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on October 4, 2025.
Valdez proudly organized his inaugural invitation-only poetry reading, graciously hosted by Irene Johnson, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The evening featured captivating solo and duet readings, with the distinguished Co-Poet Laureates of Vallejo, CA, Jacalyn Eyvone and Kathleen Herrmann, in attendance. They also sponsored a vibrant poetry event called “Poems & Conversations,” which showcased talented poets Terra Oliveira and Valdez Hill. This inspiring gathering took place at The Exchange in Vallejo, CA, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. It was a remarkable celebration of poetry and creativity!
Valdez is expected to conclude 2025 with an impressive total of 22 published poems across various publications. He has been invited to serve as a guest lecturer, teaching two poetry classes at Crystal Middle School in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. Valdez was recognized as a finalist for his haiku poems, which were selected by a three-judge panel for publication in the International Search for “The Best Haiku” of 2025 anthology, set to be released in December 2025.