RICARDO LUQUE was born in Maracay, Venezuela where he began his bassoon studies with Jo Ann Simpson at the Conservatorio de Musica del Estado Aragua. He later earned his bassoon diploma at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow under the guidance of professors Roman Tereochin and Valery Popov. He also received the title of Master of Fine Arts.

Mr Luque has been the principal bassoonist of the Zagreb (Croatia) Philharmonic Orchestra for more than 30 years. He was the founder of several ensembles such as The Zagreb Winds, who have recorded more than 10 CDs, and the Cantus Ensemble of the Croatian Composers Society.

In recent years, inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, Ricardo has applied his musical experience to youth education in Croatia through the youth orchestra program SODO. He is also an active member of the pedagogical team of El Sistema Europe, promoting social inclusion and artistic growth through music.