Pablo Valladares Abad

Pablo Valladares is a pianist and passionate teacher from the beautiful city of Quito, Ecuador. He has captivated audiences in China, Italy, Austria, the United States, and Ecuador.

Valladares honed his musical training at Drake University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance, and then further continued his studies at Western Michigan University, where he achieved a Master's degree in the same discipline.

In his pursuit of new challenges, Valladares decided to explore new horizons at the prestigious Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he is currently immersed in a Performance Diploma under the tutelage of two piano luminaries: Edward Auer and Junghwa Moon Auer.

From his early steps on the international scene at the young age of 16 at the University of Texas, Valladares has had the honor of participating in renowned piano festivals. He participated at the Edward Auer Piano Workshop, Jacob School of Music Piano Academy, and the Classical Music Festival Piano Academy in Eisenstadt, Austria. He has been selected to participate in masterclasses for world-renowned pianists such as Karen Shaw from Indiana University, Jerome Lowenthal from the Juilliard School, Azaf Zohar from Tel Aviv, Israel, Daniel Shapiro from the Cleveland Institute of Music, Steven Spooner from the Peabody Institute, and Arthur Green from the University of Michigan, among other giants of music.

As a true musical ambassador, Valladares has made his mark on the most prominent stages in Ecuador. He has performed in renowned theaters and concert halls, including Casa de la Música, Teatro Nacional Sucre, Teatro Politécnico, Teatro Sánchez Aguilar, Teatro Centro Cívico, Teatro Pumapungo, Teatro Bolívar, Teatro Beethoven, as well as in international stages such as Sheslow Auditorium, Ruthmere Museum, The Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines Civic Center, Esterhazy Palace and more.

Valladares' skill and charisma have earned him awards and recognitions, both nationally and internationally. Not only has he been awarded the Drake University Concerto Competition twice, but he has also emerged as the winner of the Young Talent Competition organized by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador.

Pablo Valladares has collaborated with leading professional orchestras in his country and beyond, leaving a deep impression with his interpretations and performances. He has had the honor of performing as a soloist alongside these orchestras, delivering memorable performances of iconic works from the classical repertoire. Notable compositions he has performed with orchestra include Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19, Joseph Haydn's Concerto in D major No. 11, Francis Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D minor with American pianist Nicholas Roth, and Anton Rubinstein's Piano Concerto No. 4 in D minor, Op. 70.

Valladares is the creative force and musical director of the OnoZone International Music Festival, a celebration that brings together musicians from all over the world in the magical city of Quito, Ecuador. Here, music merges with cultural diversity, creating an enriching experience for music lovers from all over the planet.

In addition to his career as a performer, Valladares has made a profound impact as a music educator. He has shared his knowledge and passion as an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University, as well as at the Suzuki Academy of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Music School, Gilmore Piano Festival, Mattix Music Studio, People's Music School Inc., and currently at Chicago Music Lessons. His dedication to teaching has inspired numerous students to discover their own musical potential and follow in his footsteps.