Mission Chamber Orchestra - Dances, Songs, and Melodies from the Past ~ Juan Palacios, Guest Conductor

Juan Cristóbal Palacios was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and has dedicated his life to spreading the art of music. He began his musical studies at a very early age in his native country to then move to the USA where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition, Master degree in Composition and Orchestral Conducting from Boston Universities and Yale Universities. Later moved to Paris, France, to attend the rehearsals of the “Ensemble Intercontemporain” thanks to Maestro Pierre Boulez’s invitation. Juan Cristóbal has divided his musical career into three areas: Orchestral Conducting, Composition, and Musical Education. He has conducted many orchestras in South America, USA, and Europe; his composition has premiered in different countries around the world; and he has been helping develop music programs in different countries of the American continent. This multidisciplinary effort was recognized by the County government of Chacao, Venezuela, when he received the order “José María y Bote” in its first degree, for his ability to impart knowledge, inspire citizens and awaken intellectual curiosity among young people. In 2007 his professional career was interrupted due to the political situation in his country making him move, with his family, to the USA. After settling in San Diego, Mr. Palacios became part of the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory’s Faculty, and to the Enriching Life Through Music (ELM) music program. Since 2006, Mr. Palacios has been the Principal of the JCP Advisory Group, an organization designed to collaborate, create, develop, design, advise, and implement art programs around the world.