David Gill, musical director, brings to this ensemble more than 25 years of classical training and professional experience as violinist and vocalist. Mr. Gill has had the pleasure of studying with some of the most influential musicians in the field including, former concertmaster of the London Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Steven Staryk. As a teenager, David was a member of Mariachi Los Changuitos Feos de Tucsón, the country’s first youth mariachi. As an adult, Mr. Gill has had the opportunity to play with Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández and Los Camperos de Nati Cano, and has shared the stage with many famous Mexican ranchera singers. Los Cuatro Vientos is honored to have as its director such a respected and talented musician.
Juan G. Aguilar, is also a well-known and respected musician duly noted for his tremendous singing voice and superb skills on the violin. He, too, has had the opportunity to play with Los Changuitos Feos as a teenager, and has been playing professionally since the age of 17. Though Mr. Aguilar is a gifted violinist, he is more recognized for his talent as singer. Juan has been acclaimed for his rich tone and smooth vibrato and lends his gift to Los Cuatro Vientos. Together, Juan and David play their rustic sounds with refined technique and harmonize their voices in the traditional Mexican bel canto style.
Los Cuatro Vientos is proud to have as its harpist, Ernie Ferra. Inspired by his father to learn harp, Mr. Ferra transitioned to mariachi music after first mastering the piano. Since then, Ernie has gained much respect from prominent mariachi musicians for his abilities on harp, accordion, guitar and harmonica, as well his voice. Ernie has had the honor of befriending many important musical directors including José Martínez of Mariachi Vargas and Mr. Nati Cano, founder of Los Camperos. Mr. Ferra offers his charisma, gentle nature and originality to the ensemble and Los Cuatro Vientos is pleased to feature such a gifted artist.
J. Javier Enríquez began his musical studies at the age of four learning classical guitar. Shortly after, Mr. Enríquez studied voice as a member of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, touring Spain, France and Italy among other places. Javier developed passion for mariachi as a teen and has extensive knowledge in Mexican ethnomusicology. Mr. Enríquez holds a bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Science from the University of Arizona and has composed various musical themes with writing partner, Juan Aguilar. Among the instruments Javier plays for the quartet are guitar, jarana, quinta, and vihuela. Los Cuatro Vientos is proud to present the talents of J. Javier Enríquez.
Photos taken by Frank Enriquez, Jr.