Leaving Europe: A Chapter of Challenges and New Beginnings
The last few years of my journey in Europe flew by, as I was constantly busy preparing for auditions, traveling to different countries, and trying repeatedly to make it through. The competition was intense, with sometimes 50 or even 100 participants vying for a single position. Eventually, as I mentioned in my previous post, I landed a spot in a chamber orchestra in Lisbon. Then came the greatest opportunity of my life: joining the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Portugal.
This was, without a doubt, the most significant experience I’ve had in terms of orchestral repertoire. I was fully dedicated to preparing up to two programs in advance, due to the high demands of the position. It was the kind of job every musician dreams of—one that pays well, and features successful concerts with renowned soloists and conductors. Yet, for some strange reason, I didn’t feel completely fulfilled. It felt like I didn’t quite belong to that routine, but I remained incredibly grateful, knowing how hard it was to get a job like that. I decided to make the most of the opportunity.
When the chance to audition for the permanent position came after two years of covering it, I didn’t succeed in securing it. With that, my chances of staying in Europe became more complicated. My work permit was expiring soon, and as a foreigner, renewing it was no easy task. The next card I had to play was to return to the Americas. For personal reasons, the possibility arose to audition for the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia in Bogotá. After several challenging rounds, I finally won the position of tutti violinist.
Leaving Europe wasn’t easy. After living in that almost utopian bubble, transitioning back to a harsher reality like Latin America was difficult to process. Bogotá is also a dense city, with complicated public transportation and cold weather. However, its people always remain in my heart for their warmth, generosity, and kindness. I made wonderful friends in Colombia, and even though there’s distance between us now, I remember them fondly and, of course, I miss them.
Juliana Bello (violin), Daniela Cardona (violin), Pablo Solís (bass) from Costa Rica, and me at Bogotá airport— a brief but meaningful reunion. 2019
I was also incredibly lucky to join the orchestra just as they were about to embark on a tour to Oman. It felt like stepping into another dimension—such an exotic country with its stunning landscapes and rich culture. That tour was a truly special experience. We had so much fun, and the music was beautiful. We performed at the Royal Opera House in Muscat, accompanied by the renowned tenor Roberto Alagna, whose incredible voice was a privilege to play alongside. It was a remarkable moment, blending music, culture, and adventure all in one.
Colombia National Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Opera House in Oman – an unforgettable performance in an extraordinary setting. 2012
Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay long in Colombia, as I wasn’t in the best emotional place when I moved there, and I wanted to change things once again. I began auditioning around South America, this time with the help of musician friends in the region who helped me find auditions in places I was interested in living. In my next post, I’ll share my story of moving to Argentina—a huge, beautiful country, but also one marked by political and economic instability.
I hope you enjoy reading about my journey and learning more about the steps I’ve taken. It hasn’t always been easy, but I can say that I’ve been fortunate and have taken the opportunities as they came.
Thank you for following along on this adventure.
