Rodrigo Zafani Quintana is a dedicated musician and performer with a passion for music that has propelled him through a dynamic career. His journey began in Sorocaba in 2004, where he immersed himself in the music world. Throughout his career, he has sought out the best institutions in Brazil, including the prestigious Conservatory of Music and Drama, "Dr. Carlos de Campos" in Tatui, and the renowned School of Music of the State of Sao Paulo.
Guided by exceptional mentors such as Graziella Pagotto, Emmanuelle Baldini, and Dr. Stephen Redfield at The University of Southern Mississippi, Rodrigo has consistently honed his craft. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in music performance under the esteemed tutelage of Dr. Laura Talbott-Clark at Oklahoma State University, he was recently bestowed with the esteemed Patti Johnson Wilson Foundation Fellowship in String Orchestral Performance with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Rodrigo's thirst for knowledge has led him to participate actively in numerous master classes and lessons with esteemed teachers and artists. Notable figures such as Mikhail Kopelman from the Eastman School of Music, Igor Petrutchevsky from the Wagner Conservatory/Vienna, Mauricio Fuks from Indiana University, and Rüdiger Liebermann from the Berlin Philharmonic have shared their wisdom and expertise with him. Additionally, his involvement in the chamber music field has allowed him the privilege of attending master classes and workshops with exceptional ensembles, including The Pacifica String Quartet, Ariel String Quartet, American String Quartet, Brentano String Quartet, and Dali String Quartet.
Rodrigo's musical journey has taken him to illustrious concert halls from the early stages of his career in Brazil, including the renowned Sao Paulo Hall and the Opera House of Sao Paulo. As a member of the esteemed Youth Orchestra of Sao Paulo, he received a prestigious fellowship that allowed him to tour with the orchestra in Germany on two separate occasions in 2012 and 2013, performing in prominent venues such as the Konzerthaus Berlin. From 2014 onwards, Rodrigo has been an esteemed member of the Meridian Symphony Orchestra and Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his exceptional talents. Most recently, he held the position of concertmaster in The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra until Spring 2021.
In the summer of 2019, Rodrigo had the great honor of joining Ensemble Connect: A Program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute Summer intensive program. During this transformative experience, he and his former string quartet, the Kahlo String Quartet, performed interactive chamber music concerts for audiences ranging from formal concert settings to elementary students. A key focus of the project was to bring the joy of music to underrepresented communities in New York City and to make music accessible to all social scenarios.
Rodrigo's passion for music extends beyond performance. Since 2012, he has been an inspiring teacher in private studio and music school settings. Guiding students of all ages, from six years old to fifty-three, Rodrigo's teaching philosophy embraces the concept of an infinite learning process that fosters personal growth. Currently, he is actively working towards acquiring a comprehensive Suzuki teaching certification to further enhance his teaching skills and methodology.
With a remarkable trajectory spanning various continents and stages, Rodrigo Zafani Quintana continues to embody a dedication to music that transcends boundaries. His unwavering commitment to his artistry and the dissemination of music to diverse communities makes him a true luminary in the world of music.