Meet David Pérez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Pérez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi David, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Reflecting on my journey as a musician, my purpose became clear through the confluence of experiences, opportunities, and the guidance of remarkable mentors. From my early studies in piano performance at the University of the Arts in Cuba to my current pursuit of a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance at the University of Kansas, my path has been shaped by a deep passion for music and the desire to share it with others.

Each milestone, whether performing with ensembles, touring internationally, or collaborating with choirs and orchestras, allowed me to explore the transformative power of music. My teaching roles have also been instrumental, as mentoring students in organ technique and performance reinforced my commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the next generation of musicians.

The diverse roles I’ve undertaken — organist, harpsichordist, pianist, educator, and collaborator — reflect a purpose rooted in bringing beauty, inspiration, and connection through music. From church services to concert halls, I’ve come to see my purpose as performing and creating spaces where music serves as a bridge to the sacred, the historical, and the communal.

Purpose, for me, has emerged as a harmony of my skills, passion, and the impact I strive to make in every setting where music is alive.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As an organist, educator, and scholar, I perform, teach, and research organ music, mainly focusing on its historical and cultural significance. I strive to bring to life the music of diverse eras, styles, and regions, creating meaningful connections between audiences and the rich tradition of organ performance. Beyond the performance stage, my work as a writer and advocate for Latin American composers has become vital to my professional journey.

Most recently, I published Andalucía-Suite Española, a set of organ transcriptions that celebrates the works of the Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. The work highlights the influence of Spanish music on Cuban culture while promoting Latin American music within the organ repertoire, a mission that has deeply inspired my career. Additionally, my article A French Organ in Cuba, published in the American Guild of Organists Magazine in August of 2024, explores the origins and history of organs in Cuba since the 18th century and the reconstruction of the oldest tracker organ in Havana. It tracks the instrument’s origins and possible trajectory from France to Cuba in the late nineteenth century. It describes the restoration process that took place back in the early 2000s by the Spanish organ builder Joaquin Lois. The discovery and restoration of the Daublaine-Ducroquet organ enabled organists in Cuba to rediscover a tradition of organ playing that was forgotten for over 60 years and inspired new generations of musicians to pursue careers as organists.”

These publications are part of my broader passion to advocate for the underrepresented voices of Latin American composers, whose works remain a treasure trove of untapped artistry. As a Cuban organist, I feel deeply connected to this repertoire and am responsible for sharing it with the world. Through performances, transcriptions, and scholarly work, I aim to ensure that the organ becomes a platform for showcasing Latin America’s extraordinary musical heritage, celebrating its past while inspiring future generations to embrace its legacy.

If you want to buy my transcriptions, please click the link below.
https://theleupoldfoundation.org/product/lecuona-ernesto-andalucia-suite-espanola/

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey as a musician and organist, I can identify three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in shaping my path: versatility, cultural appreciation and advocacy, and collaboration and mentorship. These attributes have defined my career and guided me toward achieving my goals.

Versatility
From performing on piano, organ, and harpsichord to participating in international tours and mastering a wide range of repertoires, versatility has been a cornerstone of my success. Adapting to different styles, contexts, and instruments has allowed me to thrive in diverse musical environments, whether as a solo performer, accompanist, or educator.

Advice: To develop versatility, embrace every opportunity to learn and perform in varied settings. Explore new genres and instruments, and participate in collaborations that push you beyond your comfort zone. This flexibility will open doors you might not have anticipated.

Cultural Appreciation and Advocacy
As a Cuban musician, celebrating and promoting Latin American composers has been a profoundly fulfilling part of my career. My publications and performances highlight the unique contributions of this repertoire, fostering greater appreciation for its cultural significance.

Advice: Early in your journey, take time to understand and celebrate your cultural roots and the heritage of others. Dive deep into lesser-known repertoires, and use your platform to advocate for voices that deserve to be heard. This will distinguish your work and create a meaningful impact in the field.

Collaboration and Mentorship
Working alongside choirs, ensembles, and students has taught me the power of shared artistry. Mentoring young musicians has been especially rewarding, allowing me to pass on the knowledge and passion I have gained while learning from their fresh perspectives.

Advice: Build strong collaborative relationships and seek out mentors who inspire you. Equally important, strive to be a mentor to others. Sharing knowledge and fostering connections will enrich your journey and amplify your impact.

My advice for those just beginning their journey is simple: remain curious, stay open to opportunities, and never underestimate the value of hard work and dedication. By cultivating versatility, celebrating cultural identity, and embracing collaboration, you’ll grow as a musician and leave a lasting legacy in your field.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

As a musician deeply rooted in Latin American culture, I have always admired Gustavo Dudamel’s extraordinary contributions to music. His journey as a conductor, teacher, and musician resonates deeply with me, not only because of our shared cultural heritage but also because of his remarkable ability to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide.

Dudamel’s trajectory, from his early days in Venezuela’s El Sistema to becoming one of the most prominent conductors of our time, reflects a profound dedication to artistry and education. His passion for championing diverse voices and empowering young musicians aligns with my mission to celebrate and promote Latin American composers through the organ. His innovative approach to music-making and his cultural advocacy represent everything I strive for as a musician: excellence, authenticity, and the ability to inspire transformative experiences through music.

A future collaboration with Gustavo Dudamel would be an honor and a unique opportunity to merge our shared cultural values and artistic visions. Together, we could amplify the rich musical heritage of Latin America, presenting its treasures to global audiences in new and impactful ways. Whether through performances, educational initiatives, or cross-disciplinary projects, I am eager to explore how our paths could converge to celebrate the power of music and its ability to transcend boundaries.

In working with Dudamel, I hope to learn from his expertise while contributing my perspective as an organist and advocate for Latin American repertoire. Our shared cultural roots and passion for music education make me believe such a collaboration could be a meaningful and inspiring journey for both of us and the audiences we seek to reach.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cubanorganist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.cubanorganist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.perezmartinez.75457081/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-p%C3%A9rez-779b57230/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidperez_cubanorganist