Conductor. Cellist, Educator, Performer

Conductor.

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Cellist.

Educator.

Performer.

Jonathan Villegas

ABOUT

As a Mexican-American and multi-faceted artist,

I bring a unique perspective to my work as a conductor, cellist, actor, and educator, coupled with my experience in arts administration and background with strings, bands, and opera, I am dedicated to enhancing the cultural significance of the performing arts. In addition to coaching private lessons for cello, violin, and viola, my approach to music is grounded in the idea that it has the power to transform both performers and audiences alike.

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Portfolio

From conducting all sorts of musical ensembles from symphony orchestras, bands, wind ensembles, opera and more, Jonathan Villegas has extensive experience on the podium working with youth groups

to collegiate and professional ensembles.

Portfolio

Jonathan Villegas

A multi-faceted performer with a drive to inspire others through music, Mexican-American conductor Jonathan Villegas has directed orchestras, bands, and opera. With an extensive background as a cellist, actor, clinician, and in arts administration, Jonathan brings a unique perspective to the world of music. Passionate about sharing the beauty of classical music with diverse audiences, Jonathan strives to create memorable experiences through his performances.

Cellist performing in nature sitting down in front of an iPad on a white chair on top of a field of grass in the woods.

Conductor with arms extended in front of a 50-piece band

Assistant Conductor to the Portland State University Orchestra, Bands, & Opera, 2021-2023

Before relocating to Baltimore, Maryland to pursue a Masters in Wind Conducting at the Peabody Conservatory, Jonathan was completing their Masters in Cello Performance at Portland State University in Oregon. During this time, they served as the Assistant Conductor to the PSU Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, University Band, Chamber Winds, and Opera.

conductor with arms extended in front of wind ensemble

Social Media

Instagram: @jvconductor

Welcome to my Fall/Winter 2024 Performance Calendar!

Beyond grateful to be performing this year at the with the Peabody Wind Ensemble at the @peabodyinstitute, along with the @njsymphony Youth Orchestra, with @baltsymphony @bsoorchkids and with @dcs.different.drummers!

I’ll also be conducting the world premiere to @elenawinellcomposer’s Opera, “The Little Red Hen” this November.

You definitely don’t want to miss any of these performances!

For more information, please feel free to contact me or browse my website at: jvconductor.com

or DM me for more information!

Hope to see many of you all this season!

Tomorrow, April 11th at 7:30pm EST in Griswold Hall, I’ll be making my conducting debut at Peabody Conservatory. Ahead of tomorrow’s concert, I wanted to share with you all two clips from our rehearsals. I’ll be conducting Persichetti’s Serenade No. 1 for Ten Wind Instruments, and the remainder of the concert will also be featuring works by McAlister, Jacob, and Mozart!

The players here have been absolutely inspiring each time we meet, and I’m so honored to call them my colleagues and friends. It’s been an incredibly life-changing year, and I cannot wait to share music with you all tomorrow!

If you can’t be there tomorrow in person, I’ll share a livestream link below.

Hope to see many of you there in-person or online! 🎶💖💫🎺

https://video.ibm.com/channel/Griswold-Hall?fbclid=IwAR07nc8SWIYlPfhffdoqmpJeNBESYf4dtjI_m3OuhdMr3IzKucHgnWqOG7c_aem_AUOBli7Wo9x-EPgRU5GryU6KzDnLuFQsk4wKPyG61eIbHmu8p8wpFv7qqPMVwDHam1g

#conductor #conducting #musicworld #musicdaily #musiceducation #musician #musicschool #orchestra #conductorlife #orchestraconductor #stringorchestra #symphonyorchestra #windensemble #concertband #windband #musicmajor #brassplayer #woodwinds #percussion #banddirector #classicalmusic

Delighted to share some clips from our dress rehearsal last night with DC’s Different Drummers Symphonic Band for our upcoming concert this Saturday titled, “ECHOES: Reflections of our past and present, guiding us to the future.”

The entire staff and musicians at DCDD have all been so welcoming to me since assuming the position this past October. Since moving all the way from the west coast to the east coast in August, as a performer it’s always been imperative to find a chosen musical family that nurtures not just keeping music alive, but that also recognizes the healing that can be brought forth from our shared passions. DCDD has been the most caring musical family I could ever ask for, and their tenacity and talents give me so much to aspire for as we continue building our programs and creating more concerts to share with everyone.

Special shoutout to Anthony Conto for being such an incredible conductor and leader to our ensemble. I always learn so much from you every week, and your musicality inspires me every time we rehearse. Happy to be a part of your 10th season with DCDD as the Artistic Director, as I complete my very first as Assistant Artistic Director!

Hope to see many of my east coast friends in DC this weekend! Please enjoy a couple clips in the meantime!

I’ll be conducting “Huapango” by Jose Pablo Moncayo, on a piece that is so often considered the Mexican National Anthem, along with Omar Thomas’ “A Mother of a Revolution!” a piece which pays tribute and is a celebration to the bravery expressed from trans women everywhere, in particular to Masha P. Johnson. 🏳️‍🌈🇲🇽🎶💫

Works by Bach, Barber, Moncayo, Svanoe, Thomas, Ticheli, Wilson, and more!

If you are free on Saturday evening. Come join us! https://dcdd.org/events/echoes/

#conductor #conducting #musicworld #musicdaily #musiceducation #musician #musicschool #orchestra #conductorlife #orchestraconductor #stringorchestra #symphonyorchestra #windensemble #concertband #windband #musicmajor #brassplayer #woodwinds #percussion #banddirector #classicalmusic #marshapjohnson #huapango #mexicanmusic #mexicanmusicians #symphonicband #washingtondc

Happy to share that our Spring 2023 production of “The Magic Flute” at Portland State University School of Music & Theater (@psu_somt) was just awarded 3rd Place in Division IV of their 2022-2023 Production Competition by the National Opera Association! @nationaloperaassociation

It was the most thrilling experience to serve as the Assistant Conductor & Principal Cellist to this incredible work and am so proud of the hard work from all the cast & crew, along with everyone on our production team for all those weeks leading up to our shows.

I still remember all our wonderful rehearsals with the orchestra alone, along with leading multiple vocal and staging rehearsals where everyone gave it their all every time, no matter how demanding, and am still so inspired today by those experiences whenever I’m on the podium.

Bravo everyone!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

https://www.noa.org/competitions/opera-production/2022-2023-winners.html

I’m delighted to share that I recently accepted the position of Wind Ensembles Director for Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program! @bsoorchkids I’ll be working closely at two different schools across Baltimore, each with their own Concert Band and a Symphonic Band at each site, for two combined large ensembles for our concerts that take place all across Baltimore, and onto the Meyerhoff stage in the spring!

I could not be more honored to work amongst some of Baltimore’s brightest and sweetest kids that are already such leaders in their communities, and are already making the future generation of musicians into great successes through their talents. I work amongst some of the most passionate and dedicated educators, full of beautiful diversity throughout our staff and students, and I could not be more thrilled for all the music we’ll continue making this year.

As a musician with a background where opportunities like this simply just weren’t available in my community growing up, it’s a blessing everyday to get to work with these students and watch them grow with confidence everyday as they inspire each other through their love for music.

Come check out more about our program!

https://orchkids.org/bio/?smid=6987

Excited to announce that I have accepted a position as an Assistant Artistic Director to DC’s Different Drummers! I’ll be the Assistant Conductor to the Symphonic Band and will be working with the ensemble leading up to my conducting debut with the organization this coming March.

More info:
“D.C.’s Different Drummers is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender music organization welcoming ALL musicians as it fosters pride, inclusivity, and engagement with the greater Washington, D.C. region through music.”

https://dcdd.org

I’m so incredibly honored to be a part of the artistic team to an organization full of passionate musicians and staff that all care so deeply about each other, and are so welcoming of everyone, regardless of your identify and background. Too often as diverse musicians and people we are placed in environments where people challenge you just because of what makes you different, but it’s been so healing to be a part of an ensemble that welcomes and loves you BECAUSE you are different.

I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for all the music we will be making together soon! 🌈🩷

Reminiscing on some recent recordings, and came across this section that made me miss making incredible music with my friends in Portland back when I was conducting the Portland State University Chamber Winds.

“and the swallow” by Caroline Shaw arr. for Chamber Winds

#conductor #conducting #musicworld #musicdaily #musiceducation #musician #musicschool #orchestra #conductorlife #orchestraconductor #stringorchestra #symphonyorchestra #windensemble #concertband #windband #musicmajor #brassplayer #woodwinds #percussion #banddirector #classicalmusic

I wanted to share just a quick compilation of various conducting clips from my performances at PSU the past two years. The first is my most recent video, followed by a timeline of the beginning of my journey at Portland State University down to the last concert, with even a clip of a performance of mine on cello with the PSU Chamber Winds towards the end. (Yes, I was still a Cello Performance Masters student at PSU, despite all the conducting!) I hope you’ll all enjoy this video, and that you’ll keep sharing your love and joy for music. 💫

For those of you just coming across my videos, I’m currently a Masters of Music in Wind Conducting student at the Peabody Conservatory ✨

LIFE UPDATE:

I’m excited to announce that I have moved to Baltimore, Maryland, to pursue a Masters in Wind Conducting at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University as an Artistic Excellence Scholar! I’ll be studying under the tutelage of the incredible Dr. Harlan D. Parker, and will also be expanding my degree by adding a Music Education certification. I am also delighted to announce that I have just been hired on as an Operations Intern for the Peabody Preparatory program.

My passion for music has brought me to places I used to only dream of, and I feel so fortunate to have received incredible support along the way to get me to this point to fulfill that vision. I’d like to thank all the faculty, staff, friends, and colleagues at PSU who have mentored me, and helped to shape and prepare me for this chapter of my life.

After a week of classes here, I’m feeling nothing but gratitude, and have been so inspired by all the friends and colleagues I’ve made here, and by all the things I’ve been learning along the way. As a Latinx musician in academia, I’m finding that there are still so few people who look us in the field, but through my artistry I’m hoping to continue inspiring the next generation of musicians of color that through hard work and faith in yourself, your dreams can and will come true, and that there is always a place for you in music.

I’m completely overjoyed and excited for what this new chapter has to offer, and I have so many people in my life from the very beginning for whom I’m grateful for; both for challenging me to become stronger, and for teaching me to always love myself and spread that joy through our passion for music. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! #peabodyproud

Summer weddings are always a joy to play for! *Pictured from a wedding I performed for in beautiful Bridal Veil, Oregon, by the amazingly talented @angelinalusetti

Contact me if you ever need a musical ensemble for any of your events. 🎻

I would like to take a moment to share with you all a very exciting and new project I have been working on recently!

This weekend, I will be starring in the role of David Martinez, who is a wonderful and vital presence to the Queer and Latinx communities here in the Pacific Northwest, in a theatrical staging of “Voz Alta: Ahí Vamos, the Story of David Martinez”

I am beyond thrilled to share the stage amongst these other incredible performers, through the art of acting and performative narration. It has been such a moving and powerful project to me that has deepened my connection to live out loud as a proud gay Latino in this day and age, and through this story, it has taught me to be stronger still amongst every obstacle we face as BIPOC and Queer people. This story is something I can relate to very well, that I know so many others can too, and I just cannot wait to share these performances with you all!

A huge thank you to @joaquinlopezmusic for believing in me for this role and for sharing this creative project with me. Words cannot express my gratitude to you and all the creative individuals involved, and the wonderful passion you all share has inspired me for life. It has been so wonderful to get back into performing again on stage at this capacity again, and I just can’t wait for you all to see it!

Portland folks, the tickets are free through Eventbrite and you’re all invited! May 20th & 21st at 3pm at the Multnomah Arts Center.

See you all there!! Ahí Vamos!!
(Pictured w/Davis Martínez in the 3rd photo)

Very excited to share with you all my Master’s Recital on June 1st, 2023 in Lincoln Recital Hall RM 75 @ 6:30pm.

This event is free and open to the public!

Cello Master’s Recital
Jonathan Villegas, Cello

Program includes:

“Four Songs for Soprano, Cello, and Piano (1994)” by André Previn

Featuring: Dr. Chuck Dillard, Piano
Christina Mata, Soprano

“Suite Populare Espagnole” by Manuel de Falla for Cello & Piano
Featuring: Rosana Hurtado Klaus, piano

Prokofiev Cello Sonata in C-Major, op. 119
Featuring: Shinmyung Rho, Piano

This is a very special performance in part of my recital requirement for graduation in a Masters in Cello Performance from Portland State University, under the instruction of Hamilton Cheifetz.

This event will also be live-streamed, and shared through the event page.

I can’t wait to see you all there!

“Magnolia Star” by Steve Danyew
Excerpt from a PSU University Band Performance back on 06/02/22

Can’t wait to conduct this group again soon!!
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#conductor #conducting #musicworld #musicdaily #musiceducation #musician #musicschool #orchestra #conductorlife #windsymphony #windensemble #band #concertband

Some new action shots from right before our PSU Band Concert back in Fall 2022. It’s always a blast being on the podium!

Nothing like conducting Beethoven! With the PSU Symphony Orchestra during a rehearsal this past November.
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#conductor #conducting #musicworld #musicdaily #musiceducation #musician #musicschool #orchestra #conductorlife #orchestraconductor #stringorchestra #symphonyorchestra #musicianslife #music #musician #musica #beethoven

Feeling beyond grateful to do what I love most, conducting and immersing my soul through music.
Looking forward to more wonderful experiences performing soon!

Musical moments from my performance of the Shostakovich Cello Sonata, 1st Movement

Full video coming soon! 🌹🎻

So grateful for these performance opportunities at @portlandstate

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#cello #cellist #cellista #cellistoftheworld #cellos
#violoncello #celloplayer #cellolove #musician
#violoncelle #classicalmusic #classical #music
#stringinstrument #solocello #recording
#instaclassical #musiciansofinstagram #strings
#shostakovich #cellosonata #sonata #música

Performances this week at Lincoln Performance Hall at PSU campus!

Thursday, December 2nd at 7:30pm, I’ll be making my PSU conducting debut with the University Band. Music by John Mackey, Robert Sheldon, Sousa and more!

Friday, December 3rd at 7:30pm, I’ll be performing with the PSU Symphony Orchestra. Music by Florence Price, William Grant Still, Jelly Roll Morton, Toru Takemitsu and many others!

Join us as we welcome these wonderful students back to the stage to share live music with all of you once again! They have been such an inspiration to me with all the hard work they’ve done this term; see you there! 🎻

(Zoom in to see if you can spot my cello!)

Performed a lecture-recital on November 24th at Cedar Sinai Park, in collaboration with Portland State University’s String Ensemble Community Outreach program as their Event Coordinator.

I played and gave a lecture on the first 3 Bach Suite’s for Solo Cello, and performed the 1st Movement of the Cassado Solo Cello Suite.

Truly such a memorable experience. One resident approached me at the end and said “Thank you for your lovely performance; I am leaving with my soul feeling complete.” Another woman got up and started dancing after I explained these movements were intended as dance suites when they were premiered, and then afterwards sat down and clapped along to the rhythm of the music all evening.

Such an enlightening experience—one that I will always treasure close to my heart. I’m feeling so incredibly grateful to be at PSU and to share these beautiful experiences. 🎻💞

***Legally, I am not able to share audio recordings or include any pictures with the residents, but a muted compilation of the live-photos was deemed acceptable.***

Captured by the incredibly talented @mikylabordner whilst filming a project, (coming soon!), at the @videoisthefuture studio.

I’ll always treasure this day close my heart 💖

Look at what I came across today while with my Cello! I love Portland, and all its wonderful and quirky things I encounter on the daily in this city! 🎻💖🥂

Masterclass today with the Takács Quartet at PSU! We performed the Mendelssohn Piano Trio no. 1, such an inspirational experience!! I feel so honored to have shared this opportunity with my fabulous trio!

Started my Masters in Cello Performance at Portland State University! Graduate Teaching Assistant, and Assistant Conductor to the Portland State University Orchestra & Bands.

04/24/2017 Senior Recital at SHSU; Bach Suite 4 & Prokofiev Cello Sonata

11/18/2016; Junior Recital at SHSU; Elgar Cello Concerto & Claude Bollings Jazz Suite for Cello

With Sammy the Bearkat! Glad to be graduating this coming May 13th, 2017. 🙏

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Instructor & Clinician

When not on the podium, Jonathan offers private lessons on cello, violin, viola, double bass,

music theory, and conducting.

Guest conducting and clinician services also available for: bands, orchestras,

chamber music coaching, & masterclasses

Find Out More

Contact Me

PORTFOLIO

A Collection of Performances with Passion

Double bass musician in front of a wind ensemble

CONTACT JONATHAN

Jonathan Villegas is a versatile musician passionate about conducting,

performing, and working with youth orchestras and bands.

Villegas has conducted collegiate-level orchestras, bands, opera, been featured as a a soloist, and taught private lessons on all stringed instruments to students of all ages.

With a dedication to excellence and a passion for music, Jonathan is committed to sharing his love of classical music with others.

Please feel free to inquire with how we can collaborate in creating more inspiring music.

Conductor. Cellist, Educator, Performer

Conductor.

Cellist.

Educator.

Performer.

Jonathan Villegas

ABOUT

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Instructor & Clinician

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