Our clarinetist
Freddy Mora Quirós is a Costa Rican clarinetist. He began his formal musical training in 2014 at the University of Costa Rica, where he studied under the guidance of Dr. Yamileth Pérez Mora. In 2021, he continued his studies in the United States, completing a Master’s degree in Clarinet Performance at The University of Southern Mississippi in 2023 with Dr. Jacqueline McIlwain. During his graduate studies, he was awarded first prize in the WPB Concerto Competition 2022–2023, which led to his performance as soloist with the University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble, interpreting Black Dog, Rhapsody for Clarinet by American composer Scott McAllister. As a soloist, he has also appeared in Costa Rica performing the Concierto No. 1 para clarinete y orquesta by Spanish composer Óscar Navarro.
Mora is an active chamber musician. He is a member of the Quinteto Miravalles, an ensemble dedicated to the research, preservation, and performance of Costa Rican and Latin American music, while also cultivating a diverse repertoire from other traditions. He is also a member of the Solstice Reed Quintet, which has won first prize in the Mississippi Music Teachers Association (MMTA) competition and placed as a finalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance Flex Competition. The ensemble is noted for its versatility and innovative programming, performing a wide range of repertoire from contemporary North American works to European and Latin American compositions.
In addition to his chamber work, Mora serves as second clarinetist with the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad de Costa Rica, where he regularly collaborates in symphonic productions. Alongside performing, he is Professor of Clarinet at the University of Costa Rica and Professor of Music Theory at the Escuela Superior de Música de Costa Rica. Through his pedagogical work, he combines technical and artistic training with an emphasis on expressive communication, preparing young musicians for academic and professional careers. Based in Costa Rica, he continues to balance his roles as performer, educator, and researcher, contributing to the development of the country’s musical life.
