Diego Andres Montes: Award-Winning Percussionist with a Powerful Story
- WOMCO
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Diego Andres Montes was awarded the Diamond Prize in the Professional (No age limit) category of the 2025 Season 2 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition.
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
Hi, my name is Diego Montes Olivar. My journey into music is actually quite crazy because I originally wanted to be a painter. I was applying every year to an art institution, but they never allowed me in because I was considered too young every single time. Eventually, my mother took me to a music school and encouraged me to try it out, at least temporarily when I did not want it. I ended up falling in love with music. I don’t regret anything; it’s been a beautiful journey, and I’m grateful to be living my life through music today.
Could you tell us more about your award-winning work? For instance, how did you prepare it, bring it to life, or any interesting stories behind the scenes?
I recently graduated with a degree in Music Performance from Columbus State University, and part of the repertoire I presented for my senior recital is the one I used for the competition. It’s a program I’ve been working on for several months, actually, for years, since some of these pieces have been on my dream list for a long time. They’re well-known works, and especially meaningful was the moment I got to meet the composer of the snare drum piece I performed when I was 13 years old. These works have shaped my life, and achieving this at such a young age made me ask myself, “I did it… so now what?” The answer is that these pieces are ones I’ll carry with me and perform for the rest of my life.
What do you believe defines a great percussionist, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
A great percussionist must be intelligent, efficient, and above all, a great teammate. Our role is complex—most of the time, we’re adding color and texture to the orchestra. That’s what makes percussion special and, in many ways, more important than it might seem at first glance. I believe percussion will play a key role in shaping the future of music. We now have the tools to fully explore sound in new and creative ways, and I’m certain this role will only grow in importance over time.
Can you recall a memorable moment from your career that had a significant impact on you?
One of the most important days of my life is June 1st. In 2014, on that very day, my grandmother, Esperanza Andrade, passed away in an accident while on her way to a solo concert of mine, where I was performing the Marimba Concerto by Paul Creston. She passed away just two hours before the concert. Despite everything, I found the strength to go on stage and perform the entire concerto by memory, even though I knew she wasn’t there physically, it was a very hard moment. Since then, classical music has been my path and my purpose.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
I would definitely tell my friends about the experience of the competition. I know they have the skills to compete for it.
I’m incredibly happy to share this achievement with my teacher, Dr. Paul Vaillancourt, who has been like a father to me. I’m also deeply grateful to my girlfriend, Eva Ruiz, and my parents, who have supported me wholeheartedly at every step of my journey. They’ve always encouraged me to keep going and to never stop reaching higher.
Biography
Diego Andres Montes Olivar is a distinguished Venezuelan percussionist renowned for his
exceptional skills and versatile artistry. With a career that spans over a decade, Diego has made significant contributions to the world of percussion both as a soloist and as an orchestral performer. Diego began his musical journey at an early age, joining the National Children's Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela at just 12 years old. His remarkable talent was further showcased when he performed as a tympanist at the Salzburg Festival under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle. His early achievements set the stage for a career marked by notable collaborations and performances across the globe.
In his formative years, Diego was a principal percussionist with the Regional Orchestra of the
Llanos and participated in prestigious festivals such as the EPSIVAL Brass and Percussion Festival in France and the Campos do Jordão Festival in Brazil. His versatility and proficiency were honed through studies with eminent teachers.
Diego's commitment to musical excellence continued as he performed with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel, and toured extensively in Spain, Italy, Russia, Germany, Austria and Colombia. His musical prowess was further acknowledged when he was invited by Gustavo Dudamel and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra to participate in the Castell Peralada Festival as a Principal Percussionist in 2019.
A skilled performer, Diego has showcased his talent as a soloist with the Schwob Wind Ensemble and earned 2nd place in the prestigious Snare Drum competition at PASIC 2024. His passion for music extends beyond performance, as he serves as a producer and composer for the Venezuelan Virtual Chamber Orchestra, a project that features renowned international artists, demonstrating his global reach and commitment to the art form.
Diego is Summa Cum Laude in Music Performance at the Schwob School of Music, and he is pursuing an Artist Diploma in Music Performance with certifications in Musicology and a minor in Composition. As the principal percussionist for the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, he plays a key role in the ensemble, while also teaching percussion at YOGC.
