Mauricio Cespedes Rivero, was born in Cochabamba-Bolivia, started the violin, and later the viola with his father Fredy Cespedes (Concertmaster of the Bolivian Symphony orchestra) and his mother Maria Eugenia Rivero (Principal Cello Bolivian Symphony Orchestra). He holds degrees from New World School of the Arts, Michigan State University, and Florida State University where he just graduated with  his Doctorate degree.

Mauricio serves as principal viola of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and he served as Principal Viola in the Bolivian National Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonicum Europae Orchestra at the Millennium Concert at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center-New York where he served as assistant principal viola to Cynthia Phelps. He also served as principal of the Florida State University Symphony Orchestra, where he is completing his Doctoral Degree in music performance. His teachers include Richard Fleishman, Robert Dan, Charles Pikler, Sylvia Rosenberg, John Graham, Anton Nel, Masao Kawasaki, James Dunham and Pamela Ryan. As a chamber musician, Mauricio participated in the Mimir, and Aspen Advance Quartet Programs. Participation at  the Michigan Chamber Music Society. Tours to Latinamerica, Europe and Asia.

Mauricio has been a winner of the 2002 NWSA Concerto Competition, Ibero American Symphony Competition, 2005 Ozaka International Chamber Music Competition, sponsored by the Japan Chamber Music Foundation. His solo performances include concerts with the New World School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Bolivia, La Paz Symphony Orchestra, International Festival Orchestra in Bolivia, El Festival del Sol Symphony Orchestra, Camerata Concertante of Cochabamba, the National Conservatory of Bolivia Symphony Orchestra.

During the summer, Mauricio serves as a member of the Faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan.

Besides music, Mauricio holds a degree in Environmental Engineering with an emphasis in Management of Protected Areas in Bolivia.

Mauricio has two younger sisters, Adriana who plays Bass, and Wara who plays violin.