This section of my website is dedicated to showcasing the work of fellow musicians whose successful careers may not have a strong presence online or on social media. My goal is to highlight their contributions, enhance their digital visibility, create a lasting record of their work, and promote a spirit of musical solidarity. This initiative stems from a genuine commitment to the artistic community, ensuring that talent and dedication are properly recognized and shared.
Jessica Altarriba: An Example of Leadership and Empathy at the National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras for All
By: Luis F. Ruiz-Pacheco
The National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras for All, which brings together 130 students from different “Sistemas” around the world (Greece, Sweden, Canada, Latin America, and the U.S.), is inspired by the vision of maestro José Antonio Abreu, who stated that “choirs and orchestras, more than artistic structures, are centers for learning and practicing social life, because musical practice within them involves the practice of values such as fraternity, solidarity, and discipline.” However, every social endeavor requires innate qualities such as leadership and empathy—two characteristics that have made Cuban artist Jessica Altarriba a rising star in orchestral conducting.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to be conducted by Altarriba, and I witnessed her leadership and empathy in action, not only through her work ethic—as described by renowned conductor Marin Alsop, who has also been her mentor: “She [Altarriba] never takes any situation for granted… and always puts the composer first”—but also in the attention and care she devotes to every aspect of interpretation. Her gestures are remarkably clear and precise for the orchestra musicians. She does not simply prepare moments; she aspires to make every moment special. Additionally, her charismatic personality encourages a deeper understanding of the music being performed and, most importantly, reminds musicians of the joy that comes with making music.
In this sense, the National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras for All has provided Jessica with an opportunity to put her musical virtuosity at the service of the community, as her performance on the podium also serves as a pedagogical tool. As she describes it: “It has been a pleasure working with so many students coming from all over the places, from different countries. They are in an interesting range of age where they are super open to receive and to work musically.”
Recently, Jessica completed her master’s degree in orchestral conducting at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, was awarded the Taki Alsop Fellowship Award (2024-2026), and was appointed Associate Conductor of the Utah Symphony. However, these achievements are just the beginning of a brilliant career as a conductor, and the music world eagerly anticipates even greater things from her in the future.
Luis F. Ruiz-Pacheco (Composer) 