Hometown:
Miami, FL
Education:
Carnegie Mellon University: Bachelor's Degree in Violin Performance, Minor in Orchestral Conducting – 2023
Carnegie Mellon University: Master of Music in Violin Performance – 2025
Bio:
Jiddu Vega is a 22 year old violinist and conductor from Miami, FL. He is currently finishing his first year of the Master's degree at Carnegie Mellon University. He has won and has been selected as a finalist for numerous awards, including the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition at Carnegie Hall, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Fellowship, X-Factor and Quartet Award with SPHINX at the Curtis Institute of Music, and more. Jiddu holds his Bachelor's degree from Carnegie Mellon University under Andrés Cárdenes.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My mother who is a pianist and who has always supported me since day one, but also playing with so many amazing musicians like Itzhak Perlman, Gil Shaham, Leonard Slatkin. These are all my heroes and continue to inspire me every day.
Who are your all-time favorite composers and/or pieces? Why?
Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, J.S Bach. 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 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.