Birth

:

1937 in Mexico City, Mexico

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Carlos Prieto is a renowned Mexican cellist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on August 5, 1937, in Mexico City, Prieto was raised in a family of musicians. His father, Carlos Prieto del Campo, was a composer and conductor, while his mother, Maria Teresa Rodriguez, was a pianist. Prieto's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Prieto began his musical training at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. However, he soon switched to the cello, which became his primary instrument. He received his first cello lessons from his father and later studied with the renowned cellist Gaspar Cassadó in Italy. Prieto also studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City and the Juilliard School in New York. Prieto's career as a cellist began in the 1960s, when he performed with the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra. He quickly gained recognition for his virtuosity and musicality, and soon began performing as a soloist with orchestras around the world. Prieto has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Prieto's repertoire is extensive, ranging from the Baroque era to contemporary music. He has premiered many works by contemporary composers, including Samuel Zyman, Mario Lavista, and Silvestre Revueltas. Prieto is also known for his interpretations of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, which he has recorded on several albums. Prieto has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2000, he was awarded the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in the Fine Arts category by the Mexican government. He has also been awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest honor given to a foreigner by the Mexican government. In 2011, he was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to classical music. One of Prieto's most notable performances was his 1978 debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He performed the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and helped establish Prieto as one of the world's leading cellists. Prieto has also been a champion of music education. He has taught at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City and the University of Houston, and has given masterclasses around the world. He has also written several books on music, including "The Adventures of a Cello" and "The Mexican Cello." In addition to his musical career, Prieto has been involved in business and philanthropy. He is the founder and CEO of Grupo Prieto, a Mexican conglomerate that includes companies in the construction, real estate, and energy sectors. He has also been involved in philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and the arts. Prieto continues to perform and record, and remains an important figure in the world of classical music. His contributions to the cello repertoire and his dedication to music education have made him a beloved figure among musicians and music lovers alike.

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