About

Jesús Cervantes is a musician and educator based in San Diego, California. He has performed in venues across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China, and his work as a violinist encompasses a wide array of musical genres, ensembles, and influences. 

As a performer, he seeks out unique collaborations, and is currently creating original interdisciplinary works. He serves as co-concertmaster of the San Diego City Ballet Orchestra, and performs with organizations including Opera Neo, Poway Symphony, Project [BLANK], DISCO RIOT, Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra, Groupmuse, and Pacific Lyric Opera. His teaching philosophy is based in cultivating a global perspective and practice of music that draws on individual experience, and prioritizes personal expression. He believes music is a powerful vessel for storytelling, discovery, and healing, which can transform lives.

​

Jesús joined the Next Festival of Emerging Artists in June 2024 for performances with guest artists Curtis Stewart and Seth-Parker Woods in Chatham and New York City, as well as a residency at Gibney Dace, working with composers & choreographers to create new interdisciplinary pieces, with mentorship from choreographer Sidra Bell, and composer Aaron Kernis. In the summer of 2017, Jesus was a fellow at the National Orchestral Institute, The orchestra’s NAXOS-recorded album of orchestral works by Harbison, Stucky, and Ruggles was later nominated at the 2018 GRAMMYs for "Best Orchestral Performance.”

In the summers of 2017 and 2018, Jesús was a participant of the Domaine Forget International Music Academy in Quebec where he had the opportunity to work with renowned artists including Noah-Bendix Balgley, Midori Goto, and Mark Fewer. He has also attended Indiana University’s String Academy, where he worked with Sarah Kapustin. In 2015, he participated in SDYS’ 70th anniversary China tour, performing in four sold-out symphony concerts in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Yantai. ​

Jesús graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from San Diego State University, where he studied with Dr. Pei-Chun Tsai Liebhaber. He currently maintains a private violin studio, and is an orchestra coach at Mira Mesa High School and Point Loma High School.