Quesada-Ruiz, Sebastian

Biography

Sebastian Quesada is a composer who uses music as a metaphorical vehicle to explore concepts beyond the musical realm, integrating both traditional and modern languages and techniques. Through a blend of diverse genres and processes, his compositions aim to address musical narratives that are connected to our cultural and social perceptions.

His pieces span a variety of media, including large and chamber ensembles, solo pieces, incidental works, installations, and more. His music has been performed in North, Central and South America, Europe, and Asia by different ensembles such as the Harlem String Quartet, the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, the Oberlin Symphony Orchestra and Reverso Trio.

Quesada's pieces have been selected for performance at the SOLI Chamber Ensemble's 30x30x30 Project, Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival, The North American Saxophone Alliance, and the International Trombone Festival. His music has also been recorded, with notable projects including collaborations with Thomas Mesa and Michelle Cann through PARMA Recordings and the Sphinx Organization, as well as a recording with Latin Grammy Award winner Eddie Mora. In addition, he is a Future of Music Faculty Fellow through the Cleveland Institute of Music with support from the Sphinx Venture Fund.

Quesada holds degrees in composition from Michigan State University (D.M.A.), Truman State University (M.M.) and University of Costa Rica (B.A.). He has studied with Ricardo Lorenz, Zhou Tian, Charles Gran, Victor Marquez-Barrios, Carlos Castro and Luis José Herra. He also holds a M.M. in Music Theory from Michigan State University.