Daniel Cortes
Daniel Cortes (B.M. Stetson University, M.M. Western Michigan University) is a concertizing violist, violinist, conductor, and arts administrator whose career blends performance, education, and cultural leadership. He is the founder and executive director of Symphonic Underground (2018-present), an ensemble dedicated to making classical music accessible through video game and anime soundtracks. Previously, he co-founded and led the Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra (2015-2018), where he established a sustainable model that has kept the ensemble thriving for nearly a decade after his departure.
With nearly 30 years of musical study (20 which have been spent playing professionally), Cortes is celebrated for his versatility across classical, pop, rock, jazz, hip-hop, world, and avant-garde styles. He has held many principal viola positions throughout his career and performs over 250 services annually, making him one of the most active working musicians in Central Florida’s vibrant music scene.
His resume includes appearances with an extraordinary range of artists and productions, bridging popular culture and high art. Notable collaborations include principal viola appearances with Weird Al, The Eagles, The Who, Beach Boys, Electric Light Orchestra, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Frankie Valli, George Benson, Mannheim Steamroller, T-Pain, Nelly, Will.I.Am, Amy Grant, Kristin Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters, Styx, Michael Bolton, Alan Parsons Project, Burna Boy, and Cirque Musica. He has also performed with multimedia concerts such as Game of Thrones Live, Pokemon Symphonic Evolution, Final Fantasy: Distant Worlds, Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, Sonic Symphony, and Video Games Live.
Since launching his freelance career in 2004, Cortes has worked with ensembles across the country, including Candlelight Concerts by Fever, Orlando Philharmonic, The Florida Orchestra, Orlando Ballet, South Florida Symphony, Brevard Symphony, Punta Gorda Symphony, Space Coast Symphony, Symphony of the Americas, Miami Pixel Symphony, Arcus Chamber Orchestra, and Kalamazoo Symphony. His adaptability and artistry have made him a soughtafter performer in both classical and crossover settings.
Cortes’s chamber music pedigree includes masterclasses and coachings with members of the Juilliard, Emerson, Harlem, Shanghai, Takacs, Borromeo, Miro, Pacifica, St. Lawrence, and Cavani Quartets, as well as the Beaux Arts Trio and Iris Chamber Orchestra among others. In 2008, he was invited to present chamber concerts at the William Walton Estate “La Martella” in Italy, appearing in the composer’s private salon to perform before an audience with Lady Walton in attendance.
A passionate educator, Cortes is a vendor clinician for Orange County Public Schools, where he works with middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds. He also maintains a private studio of ten young string players and serves as a remote instructor for Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles, helping underprivileged students gain access to high-level training.
Through his dual commitment to excellence on stage and mentorship off stage, Mr. Cortes continues to build bridges between classical tradition, popular culture, and future generations of musicians.
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