Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hector Olivera began his musical studies with his father as his teacher. At six, he started serious study in organ as well as harmony at the Buenos Aires Conservatory. It was here that he began to develop the art of improvisation. At the age of nine, the Buenos Aires Symphony Orchestra performed a suite he had composed for oboe and string orchestra. He studied at the Conservatory of Music and at the young age of twelve he entered the University of Buenos Aires. By the age of 18 he had performed some 300 concerts in Latin America and frequently appeared on national radio and television. It was at this point that he was offered a scholarship to the Julliard School of Music in New York. Three years later he won the improvisation contest sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. In 1988, after years of performing and residing in the USA, Mr. Olivera was invited to play once again in Argentina. The concert was attended by heads of state while celebrities and masses of people flocked to hear him as he appeared on television and at standing-room only concerts. In the same year, Olivera was the guest soloist the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Jajha Ling.
Hector Olivera has extensively performed worldwide, including Australia, Japan, Holland, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. Mr. Olivera's tours received highly favorable reviews and often resulted in public displays of enthusiasm. While in Paris, Olivera was honored with an invitation to play the magnificent organ of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Career highlights fuirther include a solo concert at Carnegie Hall, a performance at the New York's World Fair, a concert playing at the famous Crystal Cathedral in California and a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
In 1992, Olivera had the unique experience of being the featured performer at the National Guild of Organists convention held at the "Fabulous Fox Theater" in Arizona. This event included the world premiere of a commissioned composition written by William Albright.
By special invitation, Olivera play two solo concerts in the international music concert series for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He received multiple curtain calls and rave reviews on all fronts.
Throughout 1999, Olivera has been featured in a national advertising campaign in Japan, starting in a commercial demonstrating the Roland Atelier organ.
Olivera has released more than twenty recordings from classical to contemporary and film score transcriptions. He continues to thrill audiences with both solo classical literature and his own orchestral transcriptions. Hector Olivera's very personal interpretations of music literature have proven immensely popular with diverse audiences worldwide.
Hector Olivera may be contacted through:
Music Productions International
4025
Arrow Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34232
(941) 379-8416 Fax:
377-8149
E-Mail: holiveral@aol.com
Last Update: January 30, 2000
