Biography
Although born into a family of non-musicians, my love for the arts, and especially music, came to me at a very young age, thanks to my parents who would take a very ‘little me’ to see orchestra, opera, and ballet performances. I loved ballet, but since I was already doing artistic gymnastics and swimming at the time, my parents signed me up to music school. I really liked it there so a year later I got to pick my instrument, and I knew I wanted to play flute or saxophone. Little did I know that after I attended a concert which showcased the instruments available, everything changed. A cool boy with dreadlocks walked on stage with a double bass and played The Elephant, by Saint-Saëns, and I remember whispering to my mum “I want that one”. That was it, and here we are!
I never thought of becoming a professional musician until I was 16, after I got a place at the Purcell School of Music. Before then I wanted to study astrophysics, keeping music as a hobby. It was my double bass teacher at the time, Karen, and the conductor of an orchestra I attended on Saturday mornings, Suso, who encouraged me to pursue a career in music, and I could never be more grateful that they did.
I moved to the UK to study at Purcell, where I met and lived with many other musicians of my own age. It was an inspiring and wonderful place to be in. After Purcell, I got a place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and completed my Bachelors degree with Ana Cordova. The atmosphere in Glasgow was like no other, a vibrant city full of art and music (of any kind) in every corner. There was no better place for me at the time, but after 4 years I felt I needed to study my Master’s somewhere else. I got a place in Rotterdam, where I studied with Luis Cabrera and Peter Leerdam. And luckily, I found myself in the most supportive, friendly, and talented department I could have asked for! When I’m not practicing or working, I love doing outdoor sports, especially trail running, hiking, and surfing, and if I want some quiet downtime, a good book (especially those by Ken Follett or Dan Brown) would make me more than happy!
EDUCATION
Codarts Hogeschool voor de Kunsten
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Glasgow, UK
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
What is your favourite piece of music and why do you love it?
This will be a bit random, but l have to go with Beethoven’s 7th Symphony or perhaps Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres album (yes the whole album). Beethoven 7 because it holds a very special place in my heart (and head, I always start singing it unconsciously), and Coldplay’s album… I just cannot stop listening to it at the moment.
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I started having bagpipe lessons when I was 13. Although I was born in Madrid, my parents and all my family are from Asturias, in the North of Spain, where the traditional music there is very similar to that of Scotland and Ireland. Unfortunately, I had to stop so I could focus on the double bass and high school, but one day I hope to pick it up again!