Antonio Arzolla

Origin

Piracicaba, SP

Years active

1988–2021

Genres

erudite music, classical music

Instruments

double bass

Biography

Antonio Arzolla was a renowned Brazilian double bassist, teacher, and musician, born in Piracicaba, São Paulo, in 1966. He began his double bass studies with teacher Sandor Molnar Jr. in his hometown. Later, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he graduated in the instrument from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), under the guidance of teacher Sandrino Santoro. His academic background also included a master's degree in performance practices from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Unirio), where he would later teach double bass starting in 1988.

Throughout his career, Arzolla stood out as a virtuoso musician and a dedicated educator. He was a soloist with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra and, since the 1990s, worked as a double bassist in the Symphony Orchestra of the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro, where his admission audition was unanimously praised. As a recitalist, he had the opportunity to premiere several works by Brazilian composers, contributing to the promotion of national music. His work as a chamber musician led him to collaborate with important ensembles in Rio de Janeiro and with foreign musicians.

Arzolla also participated in masterclasses and summer courses in various cities, such as Curitiba and Brasília, and was a member of the International Society of Bassists, having performed at conventions in the United States. His dedication to music and teaching made him a beloved and respected figure in the Brazilian musical community. He passed away on January 25, 2021, leaving a legacy of artistic and pedagogical excellence.