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Rolando Morales-Matos is a Puerto Rican classical percussionist and composer who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on December 31, 1976, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Morales-Matos grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a percussionist, and his mother was a singer, so it was only natural that he would develop an interest in music at a young age. Morales-Matos began his musical education at the age of six, studying percussion with his father. He later went on to study at the Escuela Libre de Música de San Juan, where he received a solid foundation in classical music. He continued his studies at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance. After completing his studies in Puerto Rico, Morales-Matos moved to the United States to further his education. He attended the University of Miami, where he earned a Master of Music degree in percussion performance. While at the University of Miami, he studied with renowned percussionists Ney Rosauro and Steve Rucker. Morales-Matos has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. One of Morales-Matos's most notable performances was his solo debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2004. He performed the world premiere of "Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra" by composer Roberto Sierra. The performance was met with critical acclaim, and Morales-Matos was praised for his virtuosic playing and musicality. In addition to his work as a performer, Morales-Matos is also an accomplished composer. He has written works for percussion ensemble, orchestra, and chamber groups. His compositions have been performed by ensembles around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. Morales-Matos has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2002, he was awarded the prestigious Leonard Bernstein Fellowship from the Tanglewood Music Center. The fellowship allowed him to study with some of the world's leading percussionists and composers, including Michael Tilson Thomas and John Adams. In 2005, Morales-Matos was awarded the Latin Grammy Award for Best Classical Album for his recording of "Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra" by Roberto Sierra. The album was recorded with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and was praised for its innovative use of percussion and its blending of classical and Latin American musical traditions. Morales-Matos is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at the University of Miami, the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, and the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory. He has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring percussionists. In addition to his work as a performer, composer, and educator, Morales-Matos is also a philanthropist. He is the founder of the Rolando Morales-Matos Foundation, which provides scholarships and educational opportunities to young musicians in Puerto Rico. The foundation also supports music education programs in underserved communities.

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