Rising Stars: Meet Fernando Fuenmayor of Miami

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Fuenmayor.

Hi Fernando, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my musical journey at the age of six at the José Luis Paz Conservatory of Music in Maracaibo, where I studied under Prof. Pablo Bauer. By 2005, I became the principal flutist of the Zulia Symphonic Orchestra and participated in significant events, including a concert with Maestro Claudio Abbado and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra.

In the following years, I toured with the Rafael Urdaneta Orchestra in Colombia and continued my education at the Simón Bolívar Conservatory, receiving additional instruction from Maestro Luis Julio Toro. My experience expanded through participation in prestigious seminars, including one with the Berlin Philharmonic Quintet and classes in Montreal.

In 2009, I attended the National Flute Association Convention in New York City, performing in a flute orchestra conducted by James Galway. I co-founded the Rafael Urdaneta Winds Quintet and the Zulia Flute Orchestra and have been involved with the Latin American Flute Academy. In 2010, I performed Mozart’s G Major Concerto and Khachaturian’s Flute Concerto with the Maracaibo Symphonic Orchestra.

After graduating from UNEARTE, I became a flutist in the Matiz Ensamble, collaborating with numerous renowned artists and participating in events like the Barquisimeto International Jazz Festival. In 2012, I released my first album, “Bella Vista,” and was honored as a Young Musical Ambassador by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with international artists in the U.S. and have been recognized for my contributions to jazz and Latin music. In 2021, I was nominated for a Latin Grammy for my album “SOTAVENTO,” and I continue to perform and record, showcasing my Venezuelan roots while promoting the saxophone and flute in diverse projects.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have always been difficulties, but rather than using words like (easy or difficult), I prefer to say that I have enjoyed the journey and always had the support of my parents.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a saxophonist and flautist, internationally known for promoting Latin jazz in various cities around the world, and I have been awarded the United Nations Arts & Sciences International Music Council Prize in the United States. I have a background in education, particularly in music projects for young people in Venezuela and Chile. Currently, I have worked as a saxophonist for artists such as DJ Khaled, Don Omar, Jerry Rivera, Francisco Céspedes, Oscar D’León, among others.

I recently released my new song “En Tu Pelo,” available on all digital platforms, and I also released my Latin jazz album, Oleo.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice is to always have an active learning attitude. There’s always something more to learn, and the world has all the information available.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: FernandoFuenmayorV
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/fkqYu0v3CzQ?si=hSZDb-IWvqCSppw0