The New Mexico Philharmonic Appoints Carmelo de los Santos as the new Concertmaster

Music Director Roberto Minczuk and President and CEO Marian Tanau are thrilled to announce that Brazilian violinist Cármelo de los Santos, an Associate Professor of violin at the University of New Mexico, has been appointed as the new concertmaster for the New Mexico Philharmonic (NMPhil), holding the Karen McKinnon Concertmaster Chair. He succeeds violinist Krzysztof Zimowski, who retired at the end of the 2021-22 season. 

NMPhil Board of Directors Chair Maureen Baca and CEO Marian Tanau said the celebrated violinist will begin his concertmaster role at the Oct. 29 performance featuring the finalists of the Olga Kern International Piano Competition. Prior to his debut in the orchestra, Carmelo de los Santos was the featured soloist on the first Afternoon Classics concert at Immanuel Presbyterian Church on September 25 at 3 pm. He performed Camille Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3 in b minor, Op. 61. 

“Carmelo is a true artist on the violin, and I am looking forward to working with him to continue the tradition of excellence of the New Mexico Philharmonic,” said Roberto Minczuk, Music Director of the New Mexico Philharmonic. 

“We are thrilled that this artist, whose virtuosity and commitment to communicate the essence of music have captivated audiences worldwide, will now assume the highest leadership position among all the musicians of our orchestra,” Tanau said. 

“The Concertmaster position is the most important position in the orchestra after the Music Director and having Carmelo de los Santos appointed to this position continues the tradition of excellence of our organization. I look forward to the amazing concerts this appointment will produce.’ Said Board Chair, Maureen Baca 

Brazilian-born violinist Cármelo de los Santos enjoys an exciting career as a soloist, chamber musician, and pedagogue. From his extensive concerto experience to his most recent performances of the 24 Caprices by Paganini and the sonatas and partitas of Bach, his virtuosity and commitment to communicate the essence of music captivate audiences worldwide. Cármelo has performed as a guest soloist with more than 40 orchestras, including the New World Symphony, Santa Fe Pro Musica, the Santa Fe Symphony, New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, the Montevideo Philharmonic, Orquestra Musica d’Oltreoceano (Rome), and the major orchestras in Brazil. Cármelo is a winner of several international competitions including the 4th Júlio Cardona International String Competition (Portugal). In 2002, Cármelo made his New York debut as soloist and conductor in the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall with the ARCO Chamber Orchestra. Cármelo is an Associate Professor of Violin at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and plays on an Angelo Soliani violin, 1791. 

The New Mexico Philharmonic enriches the lives of New Mexicans through musical excellence, educational opportunities, and community engagement. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit nmphil.org.