“Being part of Filarmed is representing the best of our music and serving as an inspiration for many young people.” Juan Andrés Rodríguez Berrio, violinist

Starting this month, the violinist John Andrew, 23 years old, will fulfill one of his greatest dreams: to be part of the Medellín Philharmonic OrchestraHis story is that of a young man passionate about music, whose determination and talent have led him to consolidate a highly promising orchestral career. 

“I chose the violin because my parents chose it for me. Although they are literature and Spanish teachers, they have a lot of musical fiber and wanted me to play this instrument. From the beginning I really liked the role that the violin plays in an orchestra,” says Juan Andrés, who knew from a very young age that music would be his path. 

His musical training began at the age of four with private lessons, but it was at the age of six that he entered the Villahermosa Music School. “My first teacher was Isabel Arango, a violinist from Filarmed. I already knew how the orchestra worked and it was always my dream to get to where she was a member,” he recalls. Later, his talent led him to be part of the Medellín Music School Network, then to Iberacademy and, finally, to EAFIT University, where he graduated as a professional musician under the tutelage of maestro Santiago Medina.

“In 2012, I heard Filarmed for the first time during a concert in the communes, when the orchestra visited Villahermosa. I clearly remember the interpretation of the Symphony No. 41 Mozart: its majesty left me in awe. At that moment, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to music,” said the violinist.

He has participated in international festivals and tours such as Mozartwoche in Salzburg and the Alejandro Granda Opera Festival in Lima. On the European Tour with the Colombian Youth Philharmonic, he played alongside Hilary Hahn, an experience that made him value music both technically and humanly: “Music transforms people in their essence,” he reflects.

Among his musical preferences, he highlights Johannes Brahms as his favorite composer and feels a strong admiration for the symphonic tango of Astor Piazzolla. “The Violin Concerto by Sibelius is my favorite, and the Symphony No. 4 Brahms's is one of the works I most enjoy performing.” 

For him, joining Filarmed is a dream come true and a reward for his efforts. He thanks his family, teachers and colleagues for accompanying him in the process and values sharing the stage with those who were his teachers. “Being part of Filarmed is representing the best of our music and inspiring other young people,” he says.

In addition to music, Juan Andrés enjoys reading, learning languages (he is currently studying German) and watching animated series. He is also passionate about swimming, an activity he hopes to resume soon. 

By joining Filarmed, Rodríguez Berrío reaffirms his commitment to musical excellence and joins an orchestra that, beyond its impact on the national and international scene, continues to be a reference for new generations of musicians in Colombia.