We host an international music festival and visiting teaching artists.” Said Garcia, “Music has so many angles that impact community. The University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Music he leads is all about making connections. They understand immediately that music is a bridge between cultures.” I’ve created so many relationships and associations with people who don’t speak a word of English. “When I travel abroad, language is a barrier, but the moment I perform music it connects us. “Music has the power to connect us all,” he said. ![]() He feels in music he’s found the great common ground. I would do exactly the same thing again.” “These were highly intensive academic and artistic activities I invested all of myself into. “I didn’t really have a normal childhood practicing piano five or six hours a day in addition to going to private piano and English lessons, doing regular school courses and homework and attending the National Conservatory. He enjoys national hero status in his native land as a recipient of the Outstanding Cultural Achievement medal – the highest recognition the Ecuadorian National Assembly awards an individual for artistic excellence. My parents opened many doors for me because of their perseverance.” “They knew instinctively music was going to be my tool to connect Ecuador with the world. Whatever he’s done and wherever he’s gone, he’s felt his parents’ support. He’s since performed all over Europe as well as in Canada, Israel, Mexico, Colombia, Japan and China. He made his international debut in Chile. He won several prestigious piano competitions. He advanced quickly enough to debut with the Ecuadorian National Symphony Orchestra at only 15. Recognizing the prodigy in their midst, conservatory leaders created a program for him. His talent was so evident that by 6 he enrolled in Ecuador’s National Conservatory of Music. Though born into a musical family, he’s the only one to have made music a career. ![]() ![]() They mentored me so I would mature to be in a leadership position.” They trained me from a young age to prepare for it. My family knew my mission was to come to the United States one day. “I’ve always considered myself blessed to know my purpose in life from very early on,” Garcia said. UNO School of Music Director Washington Garcia’s destiny was set the first time he tickled the keys of his grandmother’s piano at age 4 in his native Ecuador. Washington Garcia’s international music career finds perfect balance in Omaha
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