Check Out Francisco Vila’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Vila.

Francisco, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I began playing the cello at age 8 upon arriving in the U.S. from Ecuador, where I had lived until then. When presented with the choice of pursuing a career in International Relations at George Washington University or a career as a cellist, I chose the latter. I knew it would come with serious challenges, but chose that adventure instead, and I’m happy for it every day! 

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?
Absolutely not! Any creative field requires you to shoot for the highest standard you can produce from within. You have to, at times, adopt a draconian approach to the challenges ahead, whether it means learning a new piece of music or looking forward to a particularly grueling performance schedule and what impact that has on the personal relationships in your life and in one’s own well-being. There is an oftentimes elusive balance to be struck in order to get through particularly hard times. This career is permanently fused with the personal realm because artistic expression is a statement of the soul. Whatever happens in life will affect the emotional output in one’s work and vice versa. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a cellist. Playing this instrument has given me a life that I did not imagine I’d have. The amount of places in the world I have visited and performed in from a young age is something many people haven’t had the opportunity to experience and is something that helps to form a broad perspective and understanding of different cultures. It enriches one’s life and feeds the expressive element within us. At this very moment, I’m answering these questions from Prague, where I’ve just finalized a new recording that will be released later this year! 

I am primarily a chamber musician, soloist, and educator of young talented artists. 

In 2015 I started a music festival in my native country, Ecuador, and this is what I’m most proud of. Since that year we have awarded over 250 full scholarships for young artists to work with their musical heroes in person for a two-week period. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you realize that you love it, take it seriously from the start and go for it with all you’ve got. Know that not one single step of the road will be clear or smooth but face the challenge and devour it! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @franciscovilahaas

Image Credits
Samuel Salazar
Alejandro Gussep