Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Fuenmayor.
Hi Fernando, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela as an aspiring musician with big dreams in a humble family of four. At the very young age of six, I asked my parents to enroll me in The Conservatorio de Simon Bolivar to further expand on my passion and career goals, meeting along the way peers who shared my same passion and desire to succeed. After developing a solid background in music theory and mastering the flute to the best of my abilities, at the age of 12, I was invited to become a part of the Orquesta Infantil Nacional De Venezuela were I received an extensive master’s class with different international artists like Berlin Philarmonic, Pedro Eustache, Gustavo Dudamel, Claudio Abbado, and many more.
As I continued to climb the professional ladder within my field, at the age of 15, I became the head flute of La Sinfonica del Zulia where I first experienced a glimpse of my soon to come dreamed of a career as a well-renowned musician in my country. Immediately after, La orquesta sinfonica de Maracaibo, hired me as a soloist to interpret Mozart’s concert in G major and the flute concert of Aram kachaturiam, and orchestra I would become a part of two years later as their youngest member.
Besides this beautiful classical world I found myself in, I also began to discover my skills as a producer developing Jazz and pop/folk music projects while simultaneously doing the instrumental solo in almost every track that required it.
My first instrumental album as a now recognized musician saw the light of the day on 2013 titled “Bella Vista” which had refreshing sounds of jazz/fusion and first-class artists like Angela Uzcategui and Henderson Olivares with whom I was lucky to travel with to London and Switzerland where I promoted it and had the chance to show the world a little piece of me. While in Switzerland, I was recognized with a condecoration as a young and high-end new upcoming Venezuelan Musician.
The following years, I grew within my field by making a name for myself worldwide in countries like Panama, Colombia, Canada, España, Chile, etc.; where I had the pleasure of working with artists like Patricia Vlieg, Raul Diblasio, Oscar De Leon amongst many others in different concerts and recording studios.
After a successful career as an acknowledged musician, I dove into the world of teaching and had the opportunity of Directing a youth orchestra and became a music professor within different schools in Santiago, Chile. In 2017 I was recognized as “Professor of The Year” in the Escuela Valle de Mallarauco in the City of Melipilla.
As an artist, I have also been lucky enough to receive the support of the media like the eminent tv channel of Venevision, Mega TV Chile and many others, and in 2020, I became a Latin Grammy nominee for “Best Instrumental Album” titled “Sotavento”.
Nowadays, I am lucky to be a based Miami artist where I develop new projects with different musicians around the city like the Saxophonist player for Manolo Puerto Orquesta, Ronald Borjas, Jerry Rivera, Don Omar, and an array of other musicians and distinguished singers.
Today, my hands are full producing a wonderful world music album with Daniel Requena and I am excited to continue learning from this new chapter in my life. I am happy to live in a place like the US where I get to not only progress in my career but also pursue my lifelong desire to achieve the American dream.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Obstacles?
Basically, I haven’t had any obstacles except the Venezuelan immigration process I had to get through due to crisis in my home country Venezuela, however, this same process allowed me to get in touch with artists coming from another countries and get inspiration from different music cultures.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My job considers various aspects of the music branches: arrangements, production, live concerts, music teaching and others. Essentially, I approach music from my own perspective which can be described as the mix between classic and popular styles.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Since the beginning of my career, I have been financing my job. It would be a great help to receive financial support for my main projects such as a children’s Big Bang Jazz project, all the upcoming music albums (preproduction, mastering and mixes, etc.) and also be able to be part of festivals and tours.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photographer: Natalia Santander
