Jose Molina

Concertmaster

Jose Molina made his solo debut with the East Symphony, in his native Philippines, at the age of 14, playing the Wieniawski violin concerto. After completing (at his father’s insistence) a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Jose travelled to British Columbia to study with Viennese violin virtuoso, Paul Kling, who would become a life-long mentor and friend. Kling arranged for Jose to receive a full scholarship to attend U Vic where he was a winner of the University Concerto Competition and upon graduation was invited to join the Faculty String Quartet. In addition to his musical studies, Jose apprenticed with Horacio Pinero and Quentin Playfair in violin restoration at the Banff Centre for the Arts.
A seasoned orchestral musician, Jose has played with the Victoria, Thunder Bay, Kitchener, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Symphony Orchestras. He has also served as an adjunct instructor of violin at Lakehead University. Jose is the first violinist of the Artelli String Quartet. This summer the quartet recorded the complete string quartets of William Miller for the Canadian Music Centre.

Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today? Performing the Mendelssohn concerto with my professor in the Concertmaster Chair

If you could perform in any concert hall around the world, which one would it be? Vienna Konzerthaus

Who is your favorite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most? I love the Prokofiev Violin Sonatas and the Ravel Piano Concerto.

Can you share a funny story from a past performance?
When my brother and I played our first piano duet in recital, my brother started it in the wrong key to our teacher’s amazement, without skipping a beat, I adjusted- sibling telepathy!

What is your favourite GSO memory? Playing Dvorak symphony 9 under Adam Johnson in 2019, before he was Music Director here.

Is there another instrument you wished you could play? Drums

Favourite travel destination or place to visit? Cremona and Vienna

What is the best thing about being a member of Guelph Symphony? The incredible sense of community!

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to be? An arborist