Moisés Chirinos
bass
Home Country: Honduras
Alma maters: National School of Music, Honduras, High School, 2012; Louisiana State University, BM and BA, 2026
Photo credit
Awards/Competitions
Winner, 2023 “General Syed Ali Zamin” Louisiana State University Library Scholarship; 2nd Place, Orchestra Competition, 2022 Louisiana Bass Fest; 3rd Place, Solo Competition, 2019 Louisiana Bass Fest; 5th Place, 2018 Master Players Lower Strings Division, Delaware
Appearances
Rapides Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana, 2022–25; Festival Plácido Domingo, Honduras, 2019; Festival Campos do Jordão, Brazil, 2015; Honduras National University Professional Chamber Orchestra, 2014–19; YOA (Youth Orchestra of the Americas) Caribbean Tour, 2014; Central America Youth Orchestra (OJCA), 2011, 2013–14; Honduras National Symphony Orchestra, 2012–13
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
My earliest memory is from when my mom bought her first laptop in 2002. I was around nine years old. At that time, laptops came with sample music on Windows Media Player, and I remember hearing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the first time. After that, I kept playing the symphony over and over, trying to recognize the sound of every different instrument.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
My orchestra professor in high school was Juan Omar García. He was a violin professor and orchestra director. Thanks to him, I developed an even deeper love for music and my instrument. I remember him encouraging me when I was only in my third year of playing double bass. He told me that he believed I was going to become a great musician and encouraged me to apply to schools in another country to continue my musical career. I am so grateful for the guidance he provided me and so many others.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
When I was in sixth grade, my school was invited to attend a concert at the National School of Music in Honduras. I remember feeling at that moment that I wanted to become a classical musician.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
I heard about TŌN when I was an undergraduate at LSU. My friends told me about the program, and then my professor encouraged me to apply.
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
I would love to see classical orchestra concerts become more accessible, engaging, and connected to the communities they serve. I think there is a lot of potential to move beyond the traditional concert format and create experiences where audiences feel more connected to the music and the musicians.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
This past spring semester, when I joined TŌN while pursuing my master’s degree at the Bard Conservatory, we performed Strauss’s An Alpine Symphony at Carnegie Hall. That was an unforgettable experience for me.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
Choosing to play the double bass is my proudest achievement. I have so many great memories and experiences because of my instrument, and I am very grateful that I chose it.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
My three past professors: Juan Carlos Peña, Yung-Chiao Wei, and Satoshi Okamoto. I respect them for many reasons, but all three share something important: they care deeply about their students and genuinely want to see them succeed.
Tell us about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
When I was living in Honduras, sadly, I didn’t have a bass professor for many years while I was in high school. I tried to attend the university in Honduras to continue my musical studies, but there was no bass professor there either, so it was becoming very difficult to continue. Thankfully, my mom always encouraged me to keep moving forward. She told me to apply to schools in the United States, and thankfully, I was accepted to Louisiana State University.
Can you share any memorable onstage mishaps?
During my first season with Ohio Light Opera, my bow hair popped off in the middle of Carousel. I tried pulling the loose hair with my finger so I could at least finish the musical number, but it didn’t work, so I switched to playing pizzicato for the rest of the number. Thankfully, there was a long dialogue afterward, so I asked if I could go grab my other bow.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
Lady Gaga. I have been a huge fan of hers for many years.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
I would probably be doing something in either computer science or law.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
We have a different set of strings for solo playing. They are tuned one step higher than our orchestra strings.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
As a bass player, I would say one of the biggest challenges is communicating with the other string principals. Since we are always in the back of the orchestra, it can be very difficult to see whether the principals of the other sections are changing something.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
My advice to anyone starting out is to love your instrument. Always play everything with passion, even an étude or a scale.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
I wish I had known how important it is to learn how to use your body properly to minimize injuries and, at the same time, produce a better sound.