Born in Mexico City, pianist Raúl Herrera has established himself as one of the most active and best known pianists of his country. He is regularly featured by the principal orchestras of Mexico and frequently collaborates with the country’s most distinguished instrumentalists, chamber ensembles, composers, conductors and singers. Outside of Mexico, he has performed in the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. In 1979, he won first prize in Mexico’s national Arthur Rubinstein Competition, and on two occasions he has been awarded the annual prize of the Mexican Association of Music Critics. His two CDs of Mexican music from the period 1880-1910 were warmly received by both critics and the public and obtained the top prize at the Valentín Ruiz Aznar international competition of recorded music in Granada, Spain. To this date, they have sold over 20,000 copies. His most recent recording, Americana Inventio I, contains music from Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. Raúl Herrera has also made several recordings for radio and TV, some of which have been broadcasted coast to coast in Mexico and the United States.

Raúl Herrera studied at the National University of Mexico and The Cleveland Institute of Music. His major teachers were Pascual Toral, Americo Caramuta, and Grant Johannesen; he also received master classes from distinguished pianists like Arminda Canteros, Joerg Demus, Jorge Bolet, and Michel Block.

The author of a book on piano technique, he is currently on the piano faculty of the Escuela Superior de Música in Mexico City. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at conservatories and universities in Mexico and abroad, as well as juror in national and international competitions. In the United States, he has offered lecture-recitals in the Universities of Bloomington and Kansas, and master classes at The Cleveland Institute of Music.

After a lifetime of playing for all sorts of audiences, Raul Herrera has developed a way of addressing his listeners in some occasions, which results in unique depth of musical and personal communication.

“His performance is distinguished by a refined interpretive sense and uninhibited musicianship.”

José Antonio Alcaraz, Festival Internacional Cervantino

“…pure joy.”

Ricardo Rondón, El Heraldo de México

“…concert pianist of the highest rank.”

Rafael Rodríguez, Claridades

“…charisma for turning his concerts into friendly, informal sessions where, in friendly chat, he addresses the audience. This the public appreciates immensely and responds enthusiastically.”

María Teresa Castrillón, El Heraldo de México

“He obviously loves this music and manages to project these feelings admirably.”

Ricardo Rondón, Novedades

“…exquisite rendering, mature both technically and musically.”

Isabel Farfán, Siempre

“…some of the best keyboard artistry we have heard in a long while…splendid keyboard command…an artist of the first rank.”

Elmwood Bear, Atención San Miguel

“…a kind of keyboard celebration.”

Fernando Diez de Urdanivia, El Universal

His lyric approach of [Schubert’s] Andante reminded me that of Dame Myra Hess…He let himself get carried away, offering a deeply telling delivery… the virtue of being able to charm the audience.”

Lázaro Azar, Reforma

”…beautiful equilibrium of sound, sensitive touché, and ability to build a lyrical narration.”

Radko Tichavisky, Milenio

“…a delight to the ears…”

Alejandro Fernández, El Norte

“…intimate listening experience.”

Charles McCardell, The Washington Post.