Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gonzalo Ramos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gonzalo, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Music was greatly present in my childhood and throughout young adulthood. During these important years, I had the good fortune of having a piano in my parents’ home. The piano was purchased for my older sister who would later hand me down her books and materials. I began to develop my music skills on the piano, vocally, and also dabbled in composition throughout my years in high school. I was introduced to vocal and piano workshops during this period and would later receive a piano scholarship to Bridges Academy. Invitations to experience opera productions, piano recitals, and vocal recitals were monumental in enriching my desires to pursue my passion for music. Simultaneously, prior to my university days, I began to take vocal and music composition lessons at HCC Central. This was a valuable period for learning and for working with diverse individuals. I would later find myself working as an Assistant Music director and second keyboard instrumentalist for several musical productions.

This journey prepared me for a life in academia as a music student at Moores School of Music at the University of Houston where I focused on vocal performance. Throughout my years at Moores I experienced and learned the essential and vital tools of rehearsal discipline, endurance, and a true passion for music beyond the sound. My road found its way toward working with various ensembles in Houston where I met opportunities to utilize choral conducting skills, along with music composition, that I had gained at Moores by the fantastic body of educators.

I continued to develop my skill set in choral conducting and writing. Upon graduating from Moores, I went on to obtain a Master in Sacred Music from the University of St. Thomas. This was a very special time in my life where I had the opportunity to refine and learn new skills.

Student academia was monumental in providing various tools and was a special moment that prepared me for the “real” world. The real world works faster; it can have more at stake, and it provides a different kind of exhilarating and passionate drive.

I’ve come to learn that many times you have to get out of your own way and dive in. Practice, score study, and continuing to read music literature are necessary for continued growth.

Gonzalo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Having volunteered and worked with multiple music organizations in Houston, I met like minded individuals who were interested in growing in their art. I began to reconnect with college friends that I had worked with during our studies. It amazes me to take a step back and watch the wonderful musicians that I have met along the way flourish in their craft.

More excitingly, it’s a great experience when I have opportunities to share my works and have them performed by talented individuals that I sat with in the classroom during college.

Today I have the privilege to conduct the Houston Cecilia Chamber Choir, a 501 (c)(3) ensemble that focuses on enriching and cultivating the beauty of both modern music and masterworks. During my time with Houston Cecilia, I was able to support the development of a vocal performance scholarship offered to Houston students once a year at an undergraduate level. In addition, I have received composition commissions for works that are performed in the U.S. and internationally. Conducting, composing, and working as a vocalist have taken me through many a great journey. Earlier in my tenure, I prepared Houston Cecilia for a Veteran’s Day Collaboration at the Miller Outdoor Theatre joined by the Medical Group Orchestra and also prepared the group as the performing choir for the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience conducted by composer Ramin Djawadi at the Toyota Center and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. I look forward to conducting Houston Cecilia through Faure’s Requiem this Fall season. Most recently I received the blessing to travel to Rome, Italy with the Archdiocesan Choir of Galveston-Houston where the chorus performed my setting of Ave Verum Corpus. This year the Archdiocesan Choir of Galveston-Houston will perform my English setting of the Marian prayer titled Remember (Memorare) for the Memorial and Solemn Investiture Mass for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Remember was commissioned in 2020 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic; its time for a Houston premiere has finally arrived.

There is never a dull moment as I continue to age with music.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Music diversity is charged with energy in the Greater Houston area. Further awareness and opportunities for families to attend concerts of all genres of music is vital for culture awareness. Such awareness and care for music should be made available to all ages. Music has the power to alter our emotions, it can inspire an individual toward motivational grandeur, and it has the power to bring individuals of all backgrounds together. For the past 7 years, I have led the Bravura Concert Series at All Saints Catholic Church where ensembles perform diverse sacred works ranging from concert Mass settings to instrumental settings. The series is open to anyone who desires to experience professional performances at no cost. I have gained my share of emotion altering stories from concert attendees who have left a performance inspired for a better tomorrow. There’s a true beauty to seeing families and friends coming together to enjoy an evening of music.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I fell in love with the movie Shine based on the life of pianist David Helfgott. The movie showcases the journey and obstacles that Helfgott underwent as a performance pianist. I later found an actual documentary filmed with David Helfgott that was truly inspiring. I’ll never forget the various music lecture videos recorded by Glenn Gould, Leonard Bernstein, and Luciano Pavarotti. I hold dearly the book titled The Maestro Myth, The Art of Practicing, An Equal Music, ,several books by Amantine Lucile Aurore Duplin (George Sand), multiple biographies on Frédéric Chopin, an abundance of books and reference materials based on Liturgy, Sacred documents, and books on spiritual formation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ramosgonzalo.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GonzaloMusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-ramos-953a3a8/

Image Credits
Svetan Photography