Description
Diego Guerra of Monterrey, Mexico, is a violist, violinist, conductor, and teacher based in Southern California. As a string player, he serves as the principal viola of the San Diego City Ballet Orchestra and regularly performs with other orchestras in the area. Diego began his musical studies on viola at the age of 12 at Eastlake Middle School in Chula Vista and made his solo debut 2 years later on violin with the East County Youth Symphony. In short order, Diego turned to orchestral conducting, leading to his current studies for a BM in viola performance at SDSU with Travis Maril and conducting mentorship from Michael Gerdes. Inspired by his own opportunities, Diego now teaches all across San Diego’s communities; from Hillsdale Middle to Westview High he works to help realize his student’s inherent potential. This year he is excited to impact even more people, thanks to the far reaching support of Villa Musica’s programs in town.
On the podium, he was recently appointed the Associate Conductor of the City Ballet Orchestra of San Diego, set to make his “Nutcracker” debut with the San Elijo Ballet company in 2025. Diego also guest conducts the Villa Musica Summer Orchestra and assisted the Pacific Lyric Association for their 2022 production of “Carmen.” In 2017 he co-founded the San Diego Philharmonic, most recently leading 145 volunteer musicians in a concert of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, with proceeds benefiting the Community of Light migrant shelter in Tijuana, Mexico.
