Principal Percussion
Gustavo Barreda joined the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as Principal Percussionist in the fall of 2026. He has previously performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Symphony in Miami, Florida, among others. Most recently, Gustavo had the privilege of sharing the stage with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a side-by-side performance led by conductor Ken-David Masur. He also has spent summers as a percussion fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center and the Eastern Music Festival. Throughout his career, Gustavo has performed under the baton of notable conductors such as Andris Nelsons, Marin Alsop, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and many more.
Before joining the OPO, Gustavo studied at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in Houston, Texas, under the instruction of Matthew Strauss of the Houston Symphony. He earned his Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, studying with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians Will Hudgins, Daniel Bauch and Timothy Genis. Gustavo, who grew up in Florida, attended Florida State University where he received his Bachelor of Music degree studying with Dr. John Parks IV.
Outside of music, Gustavo enjoys traveling, watching movies, discovering great local food and supporting his favorite soccer team, Chelsea FC.
