Gustavo Fernández Agreda
Gustavo Fernandez is making the most of his time at UCA, as he is taking every large and small opportunity for growth along the way. As a music performance major specializing in violin, he has the world literally at his fingertips. Although his world will certainly be full of music in the future, it might also include some business aspects as well. The senior is taking classes in the UCA College of Business to further his understanding of finance, economics, and management, which are topics that many music entrepreneurs are now pursuing.
Gustavo was born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and at the age of five, he was accepted to the Bellas Artes Music School. At age eight, he began his violin studies with Jiri Sommer and Carmen Luisa Blanco. He performed in the major cities of Bolivia as a soloist and chamber musician, and he was selected as the youngest member (and only current student) of the Amati String Quartet of Bolivia. While in the Bolivian youth orchestras, he performed in several music festivals including the International Baroque Music Festival, Misiones de Chiquitos, and Contemporary Music Festival in Cochabamba.
In 2012, Gustavo received a music scholarship from UCA after contact with Maestro Israel Getzov. At UCA, he has studied with Linda Hsu, Algis Staketvicius and Tatiana Kotcherguina, and he has played in masterclasses for Alexander Markov, John Corigliano, Oleh Krysa and Muneko Otani. He continues to work with Ms. Otani in New York City when possible thanks to the generosity of her and the support of various families in Conway. Host families also provide him with housing and other resources while he is at UCA.
Since his arrival at Central Arkansas, Gustavo has participated in the Hot Springs Music Festival from 2012 to 2014. He played for the Bolivian Embassy in the USA in Washington DC in 2012. In the summer of he 2015, he participated in the Intermuse International Music Institute and Festival, as well as the International Academy for the Arts. In October of 2015, the International Music Institute and Festival welcomed three of their former participants for a special showcase performance. It was documented that the young artists “impressed the large and enthusiastic audience with their artistic performances and technical finesse. Each also spoke eloquently about the role of music in their lives, their education, their experience at IMIF, and their aspirations.” IMIF Artistic Director Cecylia Barczyk and Executive Director Elizabeth Borowsky presented each performer with a medallion to commemorate their participation and accomplishments in the program.
Closer to UCA, Gustavo also makes the most of his time in the music department. In addition to taking lessons, he is also a member of the Conway Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Getzov. He has cherished the opportunities to perform masterworks, such as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, as well as unique and artistic shows, such as Danny Elfman’s Music from the Movies of Tim Burton. In both cases, the Reynolds Performance Hall was at capacity of 1100. With the CSO, he has been able to share the stage with not only fellow faculty and students, but also some of the most famous artists in the music profession, including Alexander Markov and Randy Newman. Collaborative works, such as The Marriage of Figaro with the UCA Opera have also been great learning experiences, while being authentic to the professional musician’s experiences.
Perhaps most impressive about Gustavo is that in the midst of practicing hours a day, taking classes, doing homework, and preparing for recitals, chamber performances, and orchestra concerts, he still finds time for others. He always makes himself available to perform at campus and community events. From Friends of Music gatherings, to downtown appearances, to the College Square Retirement Community, Gustavo has never turned down on offer to grow and to share his music. Gustavo also enjoys making music alongside his peers, which include students from as close as Conway and as far away as China. He frequently plays in a trio that includes Oscar Chungara (flute) and Sara Vaca Anaya (cello), who are fellow students from Bolivia.
The Department of Music has been enriched by all of our international students and the perspective that they bring. Gustavo has been an active part of helping many of these students as they adjust to life in the United States. Although he has been at UCA since 2012, Gustavo continues to be inspired by the students and the faculty. He has often said that UCA’s faculty gives him wonderful energy and support. He is inspired to see them work at all hours of the day and night alongside students. He also knows that giving and creating opportunities is a cycle. Gustavo is extremely grateful for Friends of Music and the many types of support available at UCA and the greater community, stating that, “the support you give could not only change a life here, but also change a life in your community.” With the world at his fingertips, he will no doubt change many lives himself.