Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Cevallos.
Hi Antonio, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I began playing the violin at 3 years old, and I have not parted with it since! Music has taken me worldwide, and I have been lucky to have visited and performed in Europe, South America, and Asia. My Hispanic heritage drew me to work and perform in my father’s home country of Ecuador, where I and a few others worked on creating a program to educate and play music throughout the country. We were fortunate through grants to make all of the concerts and events open and free to the public. Additionally, through our partners nationally and internationally, we brought musicians from all over the world. We garnered support financially, in person at the festival, and ancillary concerns from the Chicago Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony members. Some of the most memorable moments from my time working in Ecuador came from outreach programs for the incarcerated and special concerts for children and individuals in the oncology ward of the hospitals in the capital city, Quito. I have maintained a steady performing career locally in the United States, working with the Austin Symphony, Austin Opera, and San Antonio Symphony. Additionally, I regularly work with smaller chamber music organizations such as Austin Camerata and Austin Unconducted. Recently, I and two others have begun a chamber Academy Austin teaching program in the public school system, where we teach small ensemble skills to Junior High and High School students. Additionally, I maintain a small private teaching studio here in Austin.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As an artist, my journey has been riddled with struggles, missteps, and failure. When I was younger, I would lament about individuals that would receive higher accolades than myself and be jealous. As I got older, I realized I was not ready for such things, and I am now grateful for what I have achieved. Recently I saw a meme of Olympians standing on the podium waiting to receive their respective medals. Underneath the podium, words in various fonts and sizes were written with things like terrible, no good, fail, fail again, fear, the worst, etc. Yet there they were, being recognized for being the best of the best of the best. Seeing this, I reflected how in my own life I had struggled and then only in hindsight realized how much I had overcome and the sacrifices I have made to be in the position I am now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a violinist! I teach and perform and work with my local community on art projects.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Let yourself be vulnerable to people. If you are honest and work hard, things will transpire. One of my favorite quotes is, and I am paraphrasing: Luck is the juncture of hard work and opportunity. My advice would be to try and meet as many people as you can. You won’t get along with everyone, but it’s ok!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.antoniocevallos.com
- Instagram: @acev.violin
Image Credits
ESTHER MAKAU PHOTOGRAPHY
