Moos Elementary Low Brass Coach
Hugo started his studies in Ibagué-Colombia at the age of 12 years old. In 2010 he won the first prize in the National Trombone Festival “Cien años – Cien Trombones” in Bogotá. Hugo was the winner of the “Young Soloists” competition at the Conservatory Symphony Orchestra in 2011. As a member of the National Trombone Quartet, he won the first prize with the National Quartet of Trombones in 2013. Since 2011, Hugo has served as principal trombone in the Youth Philharmonic of Colombia since 2011, playing concerts in the most important scenarios in Brazil, United Sates, Germany, Austria and others.
He was invited to play at the International Music Festival Tocancipa 2014 “Toquemus.” He taught workshops and master classes at the International Music Festival in Cartagena 2012. In 2015 he attended the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo in Japan conducted by maestro Valery Gergiev, among musicians of the Berlin and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestras. Hugo has been selected internationally by orchestras like the Youth Orchestra of the Americas, New World Symphony Orchestra, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra playing in a tour in Germany under the direction of Daniel Harding. He studied at Northwestern University and Roosevelt University. In 2019 he played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Carnegie Hall and he is a Member-Fellow of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. As a teacher and mentor, Hugo works in the main music programs that promotes social and diversity through music such as ‘El Sistema’ at Ravinia, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative and Chicago Arts and Music Project.
What is your favorite piece to play or conduct?
I had a lot of fun playing Mahler 2nd Symphony with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra in Germany. This piece has a beautiful and deep meaning and of course a great brass section. The chorale voice of the trombones and the growing of the intensity is unique in this piece.
What is your favorite musical memory from when you were young?
One of my favorite memories I ever had when I was young is when I played as soloist with the orchestra. Even though the nerves are there, I could enjoy connecting with the piece and playing with my friends in the orchestra.
