Colombian born Angelica Pereira is an award-winning active chamber musician, principal second violin of the Oklahoma Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Concertmistress of the Oklahoma Composers Orchestra for the Oklahoma Modern Music Collective, Second Violin of the CRUSA String Quartet, violinist of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Norman Philharmonic and the Lawton Philharmonic, and also holds a private violin studio. Pereira has been awarded with various honors such as The Journal Record Achievers Under 40 (2021), Oklahoma NextGen Under 30 (2017), Most Outstanding Music Artist by the Hispanic Arts Council of Oklahoma and Most Outstanding Music Artist 2016 by The State of Oklahoma – Citation of Recognition (2016), among others. She was a member of The Orchestra of the Americas (2011 and 2013) with which she toured China, Mexico and all countries in Central America recording a 2015 Latin Grammy winning album with pianist Gabriela Montero.
How did you get started?
I began my musical studies at the age of four. When I was seven years old, I started studying violin at the Conservatory of Music at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Then, I traveled to the United States under full scholarship to start my Bachelors degree at Oklahoma City University (2008-2012). I continued with a Masters degree (2012-2014), and lastly added a Music Education degree (2015-2017).
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
Most definitely. Although in my early childhood I was really passionate about medicine, music and performing quickly became an essential part of me, and I cannot even imagine myself doing something else for a living.
What is your role in the music industry?
I am a violinist, mostly performing orchestral and chamber music. I am also a private violin instructor for children between ages four and 18.
Most Recent Successes / Placements / Accomplishments / Accolades / Projects? Career highlight?
- The Journal Record Achievers Under 40 (2021)
- Tenure musician with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic since 2019
- 30 Under 30 Next Gen Oklahoma Award (2017)
- Principal Second Violin for Latin Grammy winner “Best Classical Music Album” 2015
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store, or recording studio?
Civic Center Music Hall. It feels like home!
Networking and connecting with others who share your dream or vision is a vital aspect to the music industry. Can you share which Oklahoma organizations have contributed to your success and are there Oklahoma organizations you would recommend others connect with? To help further their craft or promotion?
The organizations that have contributed to my success are Oklahoma City University, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, El Sistema Oklahoma and Oklahoma Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra.
How can we follow you? Best place to purchase and listen to your music (if applicable)?
Advice for someone interested in working in the music industry.
Every performance is an opportunity to showcase yourself, no matter the size of the venue or the audience. Give it your all!
Do not be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues. Connect with them often. Chances are down the line, someone knows someone that could be of great help to you.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is a great state. People are friendly, supportive and encouraging of your endeavor. Having a small circle of musicians in Oklahoma City feels like having a family. It is also a growing city, and the potential for new opportunities is increasing more and more every year.
Favorite quote
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein
