3 Things You Didn't Know About Maestro Felipe Tristan

Felipe Tristan is the 2019 first-prize winner in the Klangkraft Orchestra's conducting contest in Duisburg, Germany. Based in New York but originally from Mexico, he is the current conductor at Manhattan School of Music's Repertory Orchestra in the Precollege division. He is also involved with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and directs the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia.

In this interview I had the pleasure of chatting with my friend, Felipe Tristan, the talented conductor and flutist/flautist/flute player (yes, it’s purposely redundant but you’ll understand why after watching the video!). Ever wonder what the conductor does other than wave a baton in front of a sea of musicians? We won’t get into the technical details but one thing is for sure – it’s a lot more than what goes on on stage. Felipe shares three little-known facts that have helped shape who he is as a conductor and a professional musician. So have a look and get acquainted with this young conductor who is quickly gaining international recognition.

My talk with Felipe also reminds me of something Steve Jobs said in his famous 2005 Stanford commencement speech. Using his personal journey as encouragement to the new graduating class, Mr. Jobs said, “you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” From what I learned from Felipe, I can tell his dots are not only connecting, they’re paving the way for an expanding career ahead. Felipe Tristan made some interesting choices years ago that he might had resented at the time, but after years of hard work and dedication in music, the unexpectedly sown seeds have helped him grow an amazing forest that is the kingdom of his music.

Curious yet? Watch the video to find out what three things you didn’t know about Felipe Tristan and which “unintentional” decision has made an impact on his career now.

Visit Felipe Tristan’s website