Francisco Figueroa
Viola
1. What year did you join the orchestra? 1977
2. Where did you grow up, and where did you go to music school?
Since I was eight, in Puerto Nuevo (San Juan.) Later in Bayamón. I studied with Emma Iris Negrón (private lessons,) Escuela Libre de Música de San Juan (today called Ramos Antonini,) the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico, and the New England Conservatory (Boston.)
3. Who is your favorite composer?
I can't say that I have one. I'm still exploring repertoire. Genres in which I look for relaxation are concerto grossi, wind serenades (ie. Harmoniemusik of the 18th century,) dances of La Belle Époque (like the waltzes and polkas of Johann Strauss.)
4. What kind of non-classical music do you like?
Voice and guitar trios. Big Band. Genres: bolero and tango.
5. What do you like to do in your free time when you're not practicing?
I like going on walks to enjoy nature.
6. What is your favorite place in Puerto Rico and why?
The southeast of Puerto Rico (El Combate, its beach and Salinas.) The tranquil sea. You can breathe pure air in Las Salinas and there are walking trails.
7. What pets do you have?
Two dogs: Lucas (chihuahua) and Lucy (a rescue dog; she's not a purebred, but you can describe her as a large rat terrier.)
8. What's your most interesting memory from your time in the orchestra?
So many memories. I can't forget the times when we used to do repeat concerts on Thursday and Sunday. I remember when José (Pepito) Figueroa used to speak of the music that touches us with its gaze.
2. Where did you grow up, and where did you go to music school?
Since I was eight, in Puerto Nuevo (San Juan.) Later in Bayamón. I studied with Emma Iris Negrón (private lessons,) Escuela Libre de Música de San Juan (today called Ramos Antonini,) the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico, and the New England Conservatory (Boston.)
3. Who is your favorite composer?
I can't say that I have one. I'm still exploring repertoire. Genres in which I look for relaxation are concerto grossi, wind serenades (ie. Harmoniemusik of the 18th century,) dances of La Belle Époque (like the waltzes and polkas of Johann Strauss.)
4. What kind of non-classical music do you like?
Voice and guitar trios. Big Band. Genres: bolero and tango.
5. What do you like to do in your free time when you're not practicing?
I like going on walks to enjoy nature.
6. What is your favorite place in Puerto Rico and why?
The southeast of Puerto Rico (El Combate, its beach and Salinas.) The tranquil sea. You can breathe pure air in Las Salinas and there are walking trails.
7. What pets do you have?
Two dogs: Lucas (chihuahua) and Lucy (a rescue dog; she's not a purebred, but you can describe her as a large rat terrier.)
8. What's your most interesting memory from your time in the orchestra?
So many memories. I can't forget the times when we used to do repeat concerts on Thursday and Sunday. I remember when José (Pepito) Figueroa used to speak of the music that touches us with its gaze.
