Wellington resident Claudio Jaffé made his orchestral debut at the age of 11 in his native Brazil performing a cello concerto written specifically for him. He is now connecting with today’s young musicians in a four-part series of instructional videos for the Palm Beach Symphony.
“In addition to serving as our principal cellist, Claudio has won numerous prizes in national and international competitions,” Palm Beach Symphony CEO David McClymont said. “He has also been resident conductor of the Florida Youth Orchestra for more than 18 years and was a perfect choice to create videos to encourage and educate students during this time when their activities in band or orchestra have been paused due to the pandemic.”
In the four-part series, Jaffé provides instruction on the physics of sound production and bowing techniques on the cello.
Jaffé also serves as cellist for the Delray String Quartet and principal cellist of the Florida Grand Opera. He has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world from New York City to Brazil to Tokyo. He performs regularly at the Sunflower and Buzzards Bay music festivals.
The first Brazilian cellist to win the Villa-Lobos International Cello Competition, Jaffé has performed in most Brazilian states both as soloist with orchestra and in recital.
Trained as a solo cellist, Jaffé received four degrees from Yale University, including a doctor of musical arts degree, and currently teaches at Palm Beach Atlantic University. As an educator, he served as dean of the Lynn University Conservatory of Music and created its preparatory division, and he also began the strings program at Saint Andrew’s School.
Jaffé’s videos, as well as those by other Palm Beach Symphony musicians, are available at www.palmbeachsymphony.org. Recognized by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County with a 2020 Muse Award for Outstanding Community Engagement, Palm Beach Symphony serves nearly 18,000 students each season.
The Palm Beach Symphony is celebrated for delivering spirited performances by first-rate musicians and distinguished guest artists. For more info., visit www.palmbeachsymphony.org.
