Today we’d like to introduce you to Domenico Hueso.
Hi Domenico, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born in Barrio Logan and raised between Sherman Heights in San Diego, California and San Juan, Puerto Rico, my life has always been surrounded by cultural contrasts. From improvisatory, classical, Caribbean, Latin, folk music to bohemian music. I started my musical journey in elementary with Suzuki piano and violin. From there I participated in playing liturgical music in elementary school – which was all improvised. It wasn’t until years later that I learned there was actual musical arrangements.
Into my teens I realized that I enjoyed distorted guitars and rock music. Or as I like to call it my “EMO” phase. Starting with Green Day and Blink 182 to Rock en Español Los Enanitos Verdes, Caifanes, etc. Some of my favorite musical memories center around the guitar. An instrument I grew up hearing him play regularly. One day by father brought home a half-size Parracho guitar (Michocan style) purchased in Tijuana. I was so excited a guitar my size so that I can emulate the greats. Little did I know that my younger brother age 5 at the time had other plans. He went full Pete Townshend on the guitar and smashing it to pieces, much to my horror. Another amazing memory I have is of my uncle Ruben taking me to Guitar Center. I selected a Mexican made Fender Stratocaster which I still play to this day and was featured the performance of HAIR at the Old Globe in 2019.
I have many nostaglic memories of my family performing as a Mariachi group at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church every Sunday morning at 9:15am bilingual mass for 12 years. When I was a student at Saint Augustine High School, I was fortunate to lead Saints music ministry team, play in Pep band on electric bassist and explore musical theatre with Saints’ sister school Our Lady of Peace.
Classical music was always a permanent fixture and set as the highest standard of art as a string player growing up. In Puerto Rico I had the fortune to work with concert master of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orquestra, Henry Hutchinson, my brother-in-law violist Ramón Negrón, and Principal flutist Josue Casillas in chamber music. They were integral in my understanding of how to improve my pedagogical skills and musicality. Later it lead me to participating in the Pablo Casals Music Festival in Prades, France. Which was quite an eye opening experience seeing and hearing the mastery of artists still willing to work on their craft in such a genuine and grounded fashion. It left me in awe and full of inspiration to always continue to grow and challenge myself.
As a student of the music at Kennesaw State University in Georgia I was given many beautifully unique experiences: such as my viola professor Dr. Cathy Lynn saying to me while struggling on the first chords and octaves Der Scwhanendreher by Paul Hindemith, “ You just gotta cabbage it Nico!” Asked her what it meant and she then explained that in Alabama, where she is from it’s a phrase that is similar to go for it! In my mind I interpreted as “Echale ganas mijo! One of my jazz professors Sam Skelton (saxophonist on Edwin McCain’s I’ll Be, multi-instrumentalist for Cartoon Network) helping me out when I forgot to come in on an electric bass solo in big band shouting….“Blow! Blow man! Blow!” As a string player this was a hilarious moment where I caught myself exhaling obediently while attempting to catching up my bass solo.
I have an amazing mentor Juan Ramirez who would organize trips to perform various locations locally and internationally with the Atlanta Virtuosi. Journeys to Panuco, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Barcelona were quite memorable as he premiered his arranged his renditions of music of the new world such as the traditional huapango and tangos.
Highlights from my college orchestra China trip in a brand new concert hall in China, while we were performing the final bars of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony the glass backdrop shattered to pieces almost as if on cue! At Central Conservatory in Beijing, China, my viola bridge flew off in the middle of a percussion interlude. I had enough time to find it and set it back on the instrument before the next section.
These are just some of the many anecdotes I can share that are memorable , challenging and have helped me grow as a musician, a performance and a human being.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all a smooth road. It is normal to have hiccups along the way. Then one begins learn how to adapt in realtime. My mentor Juan Ramirez – violinist for the Atlanta Symphony and renowned composer would always remind me that, no matter what business/occupation you are in, there will always be someone better than you. HOWEVER what sets you apart from everyone else that is what matter. However, having strong ties with one’s family and friends really goes a long way. I recently took a trip back to my father’s ancestral hometown of Tecalitclán, Jalisco, Mexico and was honored to perform at the church where my ancestors were baptized, married and buried. An experience that united me to my historical, cultural and musical roots even more. Having connection and strong sense of community whether it is with friends and family or in the musical world. All are integral.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a musician, entertainer, music educator, composer and arranger.
Performing with Johnny Mathis’ rendition of Misty “and a thousand violins begin to play” was quite surreal. Misty was one of the first jazz standards I learned and to hear and play it live is still to this day surreal. Performing with KANSAS, DISTURBED, AEROSMITH, and GAME OF THRONES have been truly highlights in my career.
Writing and arranging for strings is also a passion of mine. Starting with boleros then to singer songwriter to now Documentaries and recording for the San Diego Zoo. Working with members of the Orquesta de Baja California. Collaborating with City Ballet to California Ballet from the myriad of Nutcrackers performed to preparing the mandolin solos for San Diego Opera’s Don Giovanni by W.A. Mozart spring of 2024.
Musical Theater at the Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse I had the first ever Guitar-viola book for a Broadway show, followed by guitar-viola book for HAIR. Providing entertainment for the San Diego International Airport has been a privilege to represent the local musical scene. Leading Candlelight Concerts 2021-2023 with my colleagues Daniel Grab, Dr. Jing Xing, Zou Yu was also quite a treat especially right after the pandemic. The myriad of genres and styles to prepare for were an excellent challenge for the ensemble.
Safari Park entertainer as a strolling duo guitar duo with Tom Hamilton, to a violin duo called the Turtle Doves for the Holidays. Followed by continuing the legacy of San Diego staple of the JACKSTRAWS led by San Diego’s very own Surfing Santa Loren Smith. Became founding member of the Coronado Philharmonia 2021 which has grown from 18 musicians to 60 in a period of 3 months. Founding a trio consisting flute, viola, and cello with Katie Kim and Daniel Grab. Including original compositions and very little heard repertoire.
Premiering new music with harpist Tasha Smith Godinez and percussionist Christopher Garcia. Including a one of my world premiere’s for viola, harp, Meso American and Indian percussion at the Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles.
Having given the experience of Community outreach with Flutist and founder Beth Ross Buckley of Camarada, was then asked to work on community outreach programs through Villa Musica providing musical recitals at libraries and retirement communities throughout San Diego county. Thank You Fiona! Recently premiered a composition for Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra fall 2024 and will be a soloist for their next concert of Scandinavian themed music February 23rd at 4pm Incarnation Lutheran Church in Poway, Ca.
These a just a few of the variety of professional opportunities that I am proud of. I appreciate the musical diversity and accept the challenge every day to polish my skills and collaborate with not only my local community, but to travel to broaden my understanding of other musical cultures and experiences. I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be open. Never stop learning. Embrace the moment. Music is spiritual practice. It is utilized the all stages of one’s life, from birth, birthdays, celebrations, weddings, funerals to wherever one believes one goes after this life and beyond. I am blessed to have grown up in a home with a love for music. It planted a seed that I have cultivated into a career, a way of life and my identity. Music is how I express myself and how I experience the world and those around me. May it spark joy in all those who listen, strum, dance, sing and hum along.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicohueso.com
- Instagram: nicohvla
- Facebook: Nico Hueso
Image Credits
Anastasya Korol – all professionally done photos/headshots
