We are thrilled to share the exciting news of Maestro Eduardo Rojas’ appointment as the Artistic Director of the Popayan International Music Festival. Born in Barranquilla and having embraced Popayan as his second home, Maestro Eduardo began his musical journey at the age of 13 when he enrolled at the University of Cauca. He completed his piano studies under the guidance of the Uruguayan maestro Manfred Gerhardt. In 2005, he was awarded a full scholarship from the Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, where he earned his Artist Diploma in 2009 and his Master’s in Piano in 2011. Among his piano mentors are Harold Martina, Veda Kaplinsky, José Feghali, and Steve Harlos.
Renowned for his ability to merge musical expertise with his passion for teaching and entrepreneurship, Maestro Eduardo has been hailed by the Dallas Morning News as “a pianist of remarkable skill and powerful personality.” He currently serves as the CEO of the Rojas School of Music, an institution that has gained prominence in Texas, catering to nearly 500 students in 10 cities on a weekly basis. As a soloist, he has performed with prestigious ensembles such as the Richmond Symphony, the San Angelo Symphony, the Cali Philharmonic, the Bogota Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia, the National Orchestra of Panama, the Great Lakes Symphony, and the Dallas Chamber Symphony, among many others.
Regarding his appointment, Maestro Rojas commented, “My expectations as the new Artistic Director of the Festival are monumental, not only in terms of the artistic aspects but also in the realm of education. We aspire to engage a broader array of international artists who, in addition to delivering magnificent concerts, can contribute to the city by offering interpretation workshops and masterclasses that enrich the education of young musicians and professionals from the country’s southern region. Together with Juan Manuel Mosquera and the remarkable team that has tirelessly brought the Festival to its 60th anniversary, our aim is to elevate the Festival’s status from being at the forefront in Colombia to become one of the most influential on the continent.”
This festival marks Maestro Eduardo Rojas’ return to the capital city of the State of Cauca after residing in the United States for 18 years. He shared, “Popayan has played an integral role throughout my career. It was the city where I grew up, spent my formative years, studied at the University of Cauca, and the Festival was the first professional festival that welcomed me with open arms. I hold a deep affection for the city and the Festival. As the Artistic Director, a soloist, and a musician with an extensive network established throughout my career, I believe I can contribute significantly to Popayan, particularly in the artistic realm. It is time for me to give back to Popayan what it gave me when I was there.”
Maestro Eduardo Rojas’ appointment heralds an exciting new chapter for the Popayan Music Festival, with his wealth of experience, artistic vision, and dedication to nurturing musical talent. We eagerly anticipate the extraordinary contributions he will make to further elevate the Festival’s legacy and propel it to even greater heights.
