Hometown:
Miami, Florida
Education:
Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor of Music (2023)
Carnegie Mellon University, Master of Music (2025)
Bio:
Jiddu Vega is a 24-year-old violinist and conductor from Miami, Florida. He attained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Carnegie Mellon University, under world-renowned violinist Andrés Cárdenes and Christopher Wu. He has performed and worked with internationally acclaimed musicians such as Itzhak Perlman, Gil Shaham, Michael Stern, Leonard Slatkin, Karina Canellakis, and more.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My mother, who is a pianist and has always supported me since day one, as well as my father, who dedicated his life to my passion, but also playing with so many amazing musicians like Itzhak Perlman, Michael Stern, Leonard Slatkin, Gil Shaham. These are all my heroes and continue to inspire me every day.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Schumann, Kurt Atterberg. My favorite symphony is Mahler’s 9th Symphony. It encompasses everything about life, and from the moment I heard it, it really had an effect on me, especially the last movement which is something that cannot be described with words.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I conduct! I also love the outdoors and I love sitting at the piano and composing.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love going on hikes, fishing, rowing or running, and of course spending time with my family and my french bulldog named Mahler.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose the NRO because I want to further my career as an orchestral musician. I have always wanted to pursue this path, as my main love in music resides with orchestral literature, both as a violinist and a conductor. It is an amazing opportunity to learn all of these amazing pieces of music, with top tier conductors and musicians. I am very grateful for this opportunity every day.