Nov. 21, 1995
Japan
Born in Paraguay and spent his childhood in Barcelona where he won many competitions for young performers. Since 2004 he has lived in Japan and is currently studying at the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo under Hakuru Mori. In 2009 he won at the 4th International Tchaikovsky Youth Competition in Suwon (South Korea). In 2014 he took first place in the 21st Johannes Brahms International Cello Competition in Pörtschach am Wörthersee (Austria). As soloist he has performed with many orchestras in Japan and beyond. He has participated in the Pablo Casals Festival in Prades (Spain) and in the Kronberg Academy masterclasses (Germany). He has been awarded scholarships by many foundations and social organizations in Japan.
Which people would you invite as guests to your dream dinner party?
I would like to invite Leonardo da Vinci, Mstislav Rostropovich, Antoni Gaudi and Albert Einstein... etc. I am curious to know what these great minds were thinking. Also because many of them are musical. Leonardo da Vinci composed some music, and Einstein played the violin.
What is your favorite meal?
Either beef steak, curry with rice or spaghetti carbonara.
Do you have a favorite motto or proverb that you live your life by?
Never give up!
Which person or people inspire you the most?
Mstislav Rostropovich and Luciano Pavarotti.
If you were 80 years old, what advice would you give to young people today?
Do what you want, and enjoy your life.
What would you like people to say about you?
That I am a genius.
How do you overcome the stage fright? / What is your ritual before going on stage?
The 4, 7, 8 breathing exercise. Inhale through your nose to a count of four, then hold your breath for seven seconds, then exhale through your mouth to a count of eight.
When you perform... who are you playing for?
Not only to the most beautiful girl I see, but every audience member, and also for myself.
What job would you least like to do?
A profession in which you have to talk a lot.
Is there a joke about musicians that you would like to share with us?
When we cellists travel, we have to buy another seat for our precious cello. Therefore we surely have the right to have double meals!
What's the "most played" non-classical track on your phone?
The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel. I like other songs sung by them too.
You are on a desert island and can bring only 3 items, what do you bring?
My cello, a parasol for my cello and water for me!
What is your favorite noise/sound? What is the most annoying noise for you?
I like the sound of winter wind, and I do not like the buzz of a mosquito.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Scandinavia. I like cold and quiet places.
What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word Tchaikovsky?
Ballet. Such as "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake."
What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word competition?
Travelling to many places!
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