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Edward Luengo, cello
"A strong and endearing performer, already a partner of the greatest in the United States; Body gathered on the instrument, explosive temperament, intoxicating sound, exacerbated contrasts, almost furious phrasing, he bursts the stage" (Diapason Magazine), Venezuelan-American cellist Edward Luengo is a devoted interpreter of the classical masterworks lauded for his performances full of musical fantasy. He has performed at the Rheingau Musik Festival, Music for Food, Kronberg Festival, Music from Salem, Brussels Cello Festival, and the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad by invitation from Steven Isserlis. His artistry has led him to receive various honors including the First Prize of the Concurso Jóvenes Intérpretes supported by the Fundación María Paula Alonso, Third Prize of the IX Carlos Prieto International Cello Competition, Festival Ravel Chamber Music Prize, First Prize of the III Buchet International Cello Competition, and a performance at the BOZAR Centre for the Arts in Brussels with pianist Anna Hanas part of BOZAR's Next Generation Artists Series.
As soloist, Edward maintains virtually every major work of the cello repertoire and continues to expand the range of the instrument by committing to works and collaborations with today's composers such as Andrea Casarrubios, Olli Mustonen, and gave the World Premiere of Fuego Negro by Diana Syrse and the American Premiere of Zuhuy Kak by Hilda Paredes.
Inspired by chamber music with colleagues, Edward has performed alongside Kolja Blacher, Miguel Da Silva, Kim Kashkashian, Olli Mustonen, Enrico Pace, Donald Weilerstein and Dénes Várjon. He has participated in festivals such as Festival Ravel, Festival Music Alp, IMS Prussia Cove Masterclasses & Open Chamber Music, Yellow Barn Festival & Residency, and has also worked closely with Alfred Brendel, Christoph Eschenbach, Iván Fischer, Gidon Kremer, Sir András Schiff, David Waterman, Tabea Zimmermann, and members of the Borromeo, Brentano, Doric, New Orford, and Takács String Quartets.
Born in Miami to parents both originally from Venezuela, Edward is the first musician from a family of pilots - beginning cello lessons at the age of six with Maria Antonieta Salas and Aaron Merritt. Edward studied at the Manhattan School of Music and the Kronberg Academy; his principal teachers and mentors include Jean-Michel Fonteneau, Philippe Muller, Heasook Rhee, Sylvia Rosenberg, and Frans Helmerson. Edward also takes deep inspiration from working closely with Kim Kashkashian, Louise Hopkins, and Steven Isserlis.
Passionate about education for over a decade, Edward joined the University of South Florida as Adjunct Faculty of cello and chamber music in the Fall of 2025. He has maintained a private studio for several years and has had former students win prizes in multiple competitions and receiving acceptances from institutions such as Boston University, Queens College, and The Juilliard School.