Orlando, born in Porlamar, Venezuela, is a multifaceted oboist, educator, and conductor. He began his musical training at age 10 through Venezuela’s renowned El Sistema program, studying choir and music theory before taking up the oboe at age 12. At 15, he entered the Simón Bolívar National Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Ricardo Riveiro, principal oboist of the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra. While at the conservatory, Orlando held principal and second oboe positions in several youth orchestras, including the Francisco de Miranda Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2014, he joined the Youth Orchestra of Caracas, one of El Sistema’s flagship ensembles, and in 2016 was appointed second oboist of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. With these ensembles, he toured extensively throughout Europe and the Americas, performing in venues such as La Scala, Palau de la Música Catalana, Teatro Colón, and Auditorio Nacional, under distinguished conductors including Gustavo Dudamel.
From 2018-2021, Orlando served as Solo English Horn with the Santa Fe and Entre Ríos Symphony Orchestra in Argentina. He earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees in Oboe Performance from the Longy School of Music, where he received a full scholarship, including the Equity Scholarship. During his studies at Longy, he studied under Keisuke Wakao, Associate Principal Oboe of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He was also awarded scholarships from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation for four consecutive years. A dedicated educator since age 14, Orlando trained in the El Sistema methodology and studied orchestral conducting with Gregory Carreño. Beginning with the 2025–2026 Season, he joins the Civic Orchestra of Chicago as an Oboist and Civic Fellow. An active freelance musician in the Chicago area, he regularly performs with regional ensembles, including the Chicago Philharmonic, while continuing to teach, perform, and collaborate with orchestras throughout the United States.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I look forward to deepening my connection with Chicago’s vibrant communities through music. Collaborations with initiatives such as Notes for Peace and the Chicago Refugee Coalition have been among the most meaningful experiences of my career, and I am excited to continue building bridges, fostering dialogue, and creating impact through the Civic Fellowship.
