ABOUT RUBEN
Dr. Ruben Balboa is a dedicated violist, educator, and conductor, known for his dynamic contributions to the music world. His career reflects a deep commitment to performance, education, and the advancement of music, both within the academic sphere and in the broader community.
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Balboa's versatility as a performer shines through his extensive work in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings. Significant featured solos include the world premiere of Tejano Suite for Viola & Piano (Alex Molina Shawver), which he commissioned for the 2024 American Viola Society Festival in Los Angeles, CA; a performance of Astor Piazzolla's Le Grand Tango at the Festival of the Orchestras hosted by the Fort Worth Symphony; and the Hoffmeister Viola Concerto in D major with the Central Texas Medical Orchestra. His chamber music collaborations have included performances with distinguished musicians such as Anton Nel, Sandy Yamamoto, Invoke, and the Miró Quartet. Balboa frequently performs with ensembles such as Austin Camerata, Austin Opera, Central Texas Philharmonic, and the Amarillo Symphony, where he recently served as Guest Principal Viola, among others.
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In addition to his performing career, Balboa is a sought-after educator and clinician. He currently serves as Director of the Arts Academy at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and as Assistant Professor of Music at Southwestern University, where he directs the Southwestern University Orchestra. His previous academic appointments include The University of Texas at Austin, Illinois State University, Texas State University, and Concordia University Texas. Balboa has also contributed significantly to the University of Texas at Austin String Project as Assistant Director, where he mentored future music educators and coordinated all aspects of the program.
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He has been an invited clinician and masterclass instructor at numerous institutions and festivals, including the American Viola Society Festival and 47th International Viola Congress, Austin Suzuki Music School, Texas State ViolaFest, and West Virginia University. His pedagogical expertise is further highlighted through his work with the Austin Chamber Music Center, where he has coached both young artists and adults, and through his involvement in various music camps across Texas, including the Texas State String Camp and Austin Soundwaves Summer Camp.
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Balboa's achievements have been recognized by prestigious organizations such as the American Viola Society, where he was honored as an emerging artist and teacher, and has served as a juror for the Primrose International Viola Competition. He remains deeply committed to fostering the next generation of musicians and educators, whether through his university teaching, his work with youth orchestras, or his extensive involvement in community music programs.