Eduardo Mata (1942-1995) | DSO Conductor Emeritus

Any history of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra would be incomplete without a remembrance of Mexican-born conductor Eduardo Mata. Appointed Music Director of the DSO in 1977, Mata built the orchestra’s technical ability and reputation, taking it back to Carnegie Hall for the first time since 1965, and making two appearances at the Kennedy Center. He also successfully mounted international tours to Europe, Mexico City and Singapore.

Mata enjoyed the longest tenure of any music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. His legacy includes 33 recordings with the Dallas Symphony, the foundation of the Dallas Symphony Chorus, construction of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and his championship of music by contemporary Mexican and South American composers.

Born in Mexico City in 1942, he began his professional conducting career at age 15. He studied composition at the National Conservatory of Music with Carlos Chavez and Julio Orbon and completed a residency at Tanglewood in 1964. Shortly thereafter, at age 22, Mata was appointed conductor of the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until 1966. From 1966 to 1975, he was music director and conductor of the Orquestra Filarmonica of the National University of Mexico City, and in 1974, he was named principal conductor and musical advisor of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.

After 16 years in Dallas, Mata resigned in 1993 and was named Conductor Emeritus for Life in honor of his long and beneficial association with the orchestra. He returned to Mexico City, planning to conduct, teach and compose. Tragically, his plans were cut short when he died in a plane crash in 1995. At his death, Mata was recognized around the world for his passion, vision and brilliant musicianship.

Elmer Churampi | Trumpet

I’m originally from Lima, Peru. My father, Elmer Churampi, was born in Junín- Jauja (central part of Peru in the mountains), and my mother Dora Mucha was born on the coast of Peru in Lima.

Peruvian culture is a huge mix of races. I’m a mix of Inca and Black Peruvian culture. Each city in Peru has a great amount of culture from music to food.

My father’s side of the family is all musicians. They play Peruvian traditional music from the mountains. My father was my first trumpet teacher when I started playing at five years old. I listened to music every day because of my father. Even though it wasn’t classical music, I learned so much just by listening to my family play concerts or rehearse.