Emilio Colón

Emilio Colón is a Professor of Music (Cello) at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, where he has served since age 26. An internationally acclaimed performer described as 'lively, exciting, expressive and absolutely beautiful' (American Record Guide), he maintains an active global career spanning solo performances, chamber music, and educational initiatives.

Education:

• Master of Music (M.M.), Indiana University, 1989
• Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, 1986

Professor Colón's artistic practice centers on advanced cello performance and chamber music interpretation, with significant contributions to music education through masterclasses at premier institutions worldwide. His cultural outreach work includes founding the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico to deliver high-impact artistic experiences to underserved communities, demonstrating commitment to both artistic excellence and social engagement through projects like his screen performance in the Best Picture-winning film 'Un Poema a L’Exili'.

Awards:

• 2017 Artist of the Year, New York Classical Music Society

As a distinguished educator, Colón has taught at the Paris Conservatoire, Geneva Conservatoire, Franz Liszt Academy, Royal Academy of Music, and Toho Gakuen, while serving as artistic director of the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico. His professional activities include adjudicating the 2014 Pablo Casals International Cello Competition and performing as a D'Addario sponsored artist on a 1700 Amati cello.

He founded and leads the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico, an innovative initiative providing transformative cultural experiences to marginalized communities across the island through high-caliber performances and educational programming.