Each country around the world has its own national heroes; role models and sources of inspiration. For music enthusiasts in Puerto Rico, one of such figures is maestro Guillermo Figueroa.

A few weeks ago, April 1st of this year, the Symphony Orchestra of Puerto Rico, alongside the Coral Filarmónica of San Juan, presented its 9th concert, from its classical concert series, in dedication to the 70 years of maestro Guillermo Figueroa. The work selected for the occasion was the dramatic symphony, Romeo and Juliet Op.17 and H.79, by composer Hector Berlioz. A work that not only carries the drama, tragedy and the full emotional weight of the story by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), but that equally captures and displays these qualities under the stylistic and expressive palette of the 19th century, specifically that of Berlioz. Worth noting the performance offered by American baritone Adrian Smith, whose interventions captured the attention of the whole audience, both with his profound and dramatic acting, as well as with his projection and dark tone. Equally, it is worth taking note of our own, mezzo- soprano Gabrielle Timofeeva Lopez and tenor Christian García Roque, who have collaborated numerous times with this project. Above all, emphasis must be placed on the participation of the honored himself, Guillermo Figueroa. “Less is more”; perhaps this characterization can better describe the nature with which maestro Figueroa conducted during that night. His controlled, precise and clear form, combined with the chemistry between the orchestra and Figueroa, gave way to what has been a most excellent and very special concert. The clear appreciation to his person must be noted, from members of the orchestra, as well as everyone present in the concert hall during that night; general audience, professors and students of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, all whom made themselves heard with an extensive ovation and a thunderous applause.

Maestro Guillermo Figueroa is an alumni of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, the Juilliard School, and is currently principal conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of Santa Fe, Nuevo Mexico. He belongs to a musical living tradition that extends from current times to the second half of the 19th century. It’s Jesús Figueroa (1878-1917), patriarch of the Figueroa family, who first develops his interests for music during his youth as musician for the Municipal Band of Aguadilla, an institution that also produces another one of our musical national heroes, maestro Rafael Hernandez. Through his life, Jesús worked as clarinetist, composer, educator, as well as conductor for various bands and orchestras. In 1903, the union between Jesús Figueroa and Carmen Sanabia (1881-1954) opens the doors to what will be, and continues to be an extensive family of musicians, which will take upon them the task of continuing the legacy of Jesús, as performers, composers, educators, conductors and researchers. The support of Jesús and Carmen towards the musical education of their children, leads their successors to the Royal Conservatory in Spain, and the Normal School of Music in Paris, later on, the creation of the Figueroa Quintet in 1935, as well as their performances in some of the world’s most renowned concert halls. Until this day, the Figueroa family has been ever present in music making life in the island, and in the very heart of our most foremost institutions; such as the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, and the Free Schools of Music.

There is much for us to learn from the support Jesús Figueroa and Carmen Sanabia displayed towards the musical education of their children. Clearly, a deep love for music has been a fundamental pillar in the life of this family, and such it should be in the lives of the next generation of Puerto Rican musicians. The appreciation, passion, respect, and profound love towards music must be essential components of the education of our youth, whom guided by the inspiration of figures such as Guillermo Figueroa, surely themselves will become heroes to the next generations that will follow.

Currently, an exhibition regarding the Figueroa family is being displayed at the Sala Sinfónica Pablo Casals. The collection includes a great number of photographs, letters, reviews, programs and posters. We encourage our readers to visit the exhibition and enjoy what continues to be a grand musical trajectory and legacy. The Figueroa Quintet, made up of the family’s 4th generation of musicians (Ivonne Figueroa, Rafael Figueroa, Guillermo Figueroa, and Narciso Figueroa), will be performing on May 21st in Sala Sinfónica Pablo Casals, as part of the series of concerts organized by the Casals Festival of Puerto Rico. We wish to congratulate maestro Guillermo Figueroa in his 70 years, and anxiously await for what’s to come.