Carlos San IsidroHometown: San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
Major: Viola Performance
Degree: M.M.
Class of 2010
Undergraduate School: Lynn Conservatory
Former Studies with: Marcus Thompson
Where are you originally from?
“My hometown is San Lorenzo de El Escorial, in the province of Madrid, Spain. It is a beautiful town located 30 miles Northwest of Madrid. As an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Site of the city is an extremely popular tourist town, often visited by day-trippers from Madrid. More than 500,000 visitors come to El Escorial every year. So if you are going to Madrid, do not miss it!”
Why did you choose to study at NEC?
“NEC is very popular in Spain, so when I started looking for schools outside my country, NEC was always on my list. However, what really made me choose to do grad school here was the awesome viola faculty that we have. I personally feel that if you are a violist, NEC is currently ‘the place to be.’ In addition to the technical improvements that I’ve made with my playing, NEC has also given me a very realistic view of what the ‘real music world’ is about and has to offer.”
What do you like about Boston?
“I am European, so being in Boston feels much closer to home than many other US cities (in fact a direct flight from Logan to Madrid may only take 6 hours!). I LOVE good food and discovering new places, so this city cannot be better in that sense…actually, I wish it was cheaper! I also really like architecture, so walking around here with an amazing mixture of contemporary and historic buildings is always a treat. I wish the winter was shorter to enjoy walking even more, but Fall and Spring pays for all!”
Can you think of a particular moment or experience at NEC that was memorable?
“Well, there are many…but I will say the first time I played an audition in Jordan Hall was quite a unique experience. I actually think that many of my mix ups during the Don Juan orchestral excerpt I played were caused by my being distracted by the beauty and gorgeous sound of the place!”
What do you do outside of class?
“I spend some of my time organizing and contracting gigs in Florida and fortunately some new ones that have started to show up in Boston. I love commercial aviation and traveling, so If I am not trying to find an amazing deal to escape the winter for a weekend (I have found round trip flights from Boston to Florida for only $27!), I am always reading about the latest news in this fascinating world.”
2010-07-01
SARAH VAUGHAN