About
Julio was born in Oakland, CA and started the guitar at the age of 5 with his father, a former musical diplomat in Paraguay, South America who studied with a student of Agustin Barrios. He gave his first recital at 12 and at 17 performed the "Concierto de Aranjuez" with Richard Buckley and the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. Julio has performed in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. At 9 he started his studies on cello and eventually became a member of the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra under the direction of Kent Nagano. After being principle cellist for 2 years, he became Maestro Nagano's Assistant Conductor.
He has enjoyed being an educator for many years conducting youth orchestras in the US, Cuba, and Paraguay since the late 80's, giving lectures on the life and music of Agustin Barrios at conservatories of music, college music departments, and guitar societies here and abroad, teaching guitar, and teaching music at Holy Names High School in Oakland, CA for 3 years. Currently, he continues teaching guitar privately, gives lectures, recitals, and freelance conducts whenever possible.
In addition to directing our Laureate Guitar ensemble this season, Julio is a three time winner in Progressive Musicians and Sound Espressivo events, Julio Reyes. In addition to his fabulous playing he is also an educator, composer and conductor