Costa Rica, pura vida
Moving to Costa Rica from Honduras marked a thrilling and transformative chapter in my life that unfolded with unexpected speed and excitement. It all began during the first tour with the YOA, where I was looking for the opportunity to study and work in Costa Rica. At just 19 years old, still caught up in the whirlwind of the tour, I was asked if I would be interested in making the move. Without hesitation, fueled by youthful enthusiasm and a thirst for new experiences, I eagerly accepted.
Just two weeks after the tour concluded, a swift decision was made. Immediately, I began planning my trip. I embarked on a journey that would take me across borders and into a new environment. While traveling by land, my father and brother, José, were my sources of support during the move. We navigated through unfamiliar landscapes, each mile bringing us closer to the new destination and to the beginning of an adventure that would shape my future in profound ways, as I mentioned in my last post.
Upon my arrival in Costa Rica, I was immediately struck by the warmth and vibrancy of the country. Settling into my new routine, the first days were a blur of excitement and adjustment. Classes began promptly; among them, violin lessons with José Aurelio quickly became the highlight of my week. José Aurelio possessed a mastery of the violin that inspired awe and a gift for teaching that made learning a joy. His patient guidance and willingness to adapt to my learning style, including recording our lessons for review, accelerated my progress and deepened my love for the violin.
Professor José Aurelio Castillo and his violin students.
Raúl Gómez, Silvana, José A. Castillo, Nelly Guevara and José Valerio.
Joining rehearsals with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica was a revelation. Surrounded by talented musicians and familiar faces from the YOA tour, I quickly found myself welcomed into a community that felt like an extended family. Outside of rehearsals, friendships blossomed over shared passions for music, impromptu friend meetings watching Les Luthier videos, playing many fun gigs at weddings, and unforgettable adventures exploring Costa Rica's natural beauty—from lazy afternoons on sun-drenched beaches to vibrant nights with music and laughter.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Where the tranquil harmony of forest and beach meets, making it my favorite place on the planet. Here, sea and nature whisper quiet serenity.
Memories of Manuel Antonio National Park with my Costa Rican friends, Camp. Whether enjoying the beach or playing gigs by its shores, these moments hold a special place in my heart.
Despite the initial challenges of being in a new country far from home, Costa Rica became my sanctuary—a place where I not only pursued my dreams but also discovered strengths and resilience I didn't know I possessed. Over four transformative years, I immersed myself fully in my musical studies, absorbing lessons from master teachers who imparted technical skills and a profound understanding of music's ability to transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life.
It was an unforgettable evening at the National Theater in San José with YOA friends from the USA, Brazil, Venezuela, El Salvador, Panama, and the great Cuban musician Paquito D'Rivera.
Looking back on my time in Costa Rica, I cherish it as a golden era—a period of unparalleled happiness, growth, discovery, and lifelong friendships that laid the foundation for everything that followed. It was a time when every challenge was met with unwavering determination, every setback a lesson in resilience, and every triumph a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion with wholehearted commitment.
Chamber Orchestra of the INM of Costa Rica. Conducted by maestro José Aurelio Castillo.
One of the pivotal moments that influenced my next steps during my time in Costa Rica was my travels to Spain and China with my great friend José Pablo to participate in the World Orchestra, conducted by Josep Vicent. This experience broadened my horizons even further, exposing me to different cultures and musical traditions from around the globe. It ignited a desire to explore more of the world and deepen my understanding of music as a universal language. Representing Honduras and Costa Rica during this incredible opportunity was a proud moment for me, symbolizing the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
J. Pablo Solís and Nelly Guevara were selected to join the World Orchestra.
Additionally, during my time in Costa Rica, I achieved significant milestones. I had the privilege of winning two important prizes. First, I was awarded the Youth Soloist competition, which included the unforgettable opportunity and honor of performing as a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica at the National Theater—a moment filled with joy and personal fulfillment.
Furthermore, I was honored with the gold medal at competitions hosted by the National Music Institute of Costa Rica, where I showcased my violin skills accompanied by piano. These achievements validated my dedication to music and reinforced my belief that with perseverance and passion, I could pursue my dreams wherever they lead.
Celebrating those competition wins and diplomas with pride
However, my journey didn't end there. Faced with the daunting language barrier that hindered my plans to study in the USA, I pivoted towards Europe, drawn by the allure of opportunities at the renowned Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia in Madrid. The audition process was a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience, culminating in a moment of sheer joy and disbelief as I was offered a coveted spot in Maestro Rainer Schmidt's violin program; he is a member of the famous Hagen String Quartet. The prospect of studying under such a distinguished mentor, supported by a full scholarship that included accommodation, felt like a dream come true—a testament to the hard work and determination that had carried me from Honduras to Costa Rica and now to Spain.
As I continue my journey in Spain, I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my path. In my next post, I look forward to sharing how my experiences in Spain have further enriched my musical journey and expanded my horizons in ways I never imagined possible. Stay tuned for more adventures and reflections from this ongoing chapter of my life!
