Pedro Mendez

Before Pedro Mendez was born, his mother purchased a violin, hoping that one day her son would learn to play it. That wish became reality when he began studying violin through Venezuela’s renowned El Sistema at an early age. Originally from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Mendez continued his musical education at the Conservatorio Vicente Emilio Sojo before moving to the United States in 2019.

Mendez had already begun exploring the viola alongside the violin before moving to the United States. He arrived in Chicago intending to study both instruments, but after working with renowned pedagogues Roland and Almita Vamos, Mendez was encouraged to devote himself fully to the viola, as they recognized a natural affinity for the instrument and its rich, resonant sound. Trusting their guidance, Pedro chose to focus exclusively on the viola—a decision that would shape the course of his career.

Mendez earned his Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, where he studied with Roland and Almita Vamos and Li-Kuo Chang. During his studies, he served as Principal Viola of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Assistant Principal Viola of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra while also performing with ensembles including the Nashville Symphony, Chicago Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Sinfonietta, and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.

Mendez’s relationship with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra began as a Viola Fellow, a position he held for two seasons. He later joined the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as a full-time member before winning a position in the viola section of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, returning to the organization as a member under the direction of Music Director Fabio Luisi.

Alongside his performing career, Mendez has maintained a lifelong commitment to music education. Having grown up in El Sistema, he began teaching at a young age and later served as a violin instructor within the program. He subsequently joined the faculty of the Conservatorio Vicente Emilio Sojo, his alma mater, and later became Director of the Academia Latinoamericana del Violín in his hometown, mentoring young string players while helping expand educational opportunities for aspiring musicians. Since moving to the United States, Mendez has continued his dedication to teaching through private instruction and community programs and currently serves on the faculty of the Dallas Symphony’s Young Strings program. Through both performance and education, he remains committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians through excellence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of music.