Biography

The Brazilian School
Omar was born in 1976, in Rio de Janeiro. In 1997 he began the Music Graduation Course at the Rio de Janeiro Federal University where he developed his skills while studying under professors such as pianist Sonia Maria Vieira, composers Marco Pereira, Jorge Nunes, Ernani Aguiar and flutist Eduardo Monteiro.

The Russian School
In 2001, Omar relocated to Moscow to improve his skills in composition at “The Russian Gnesin`s Academy of Music”. There, he studied under Professors Kiril Volkov, pupil of Aram Khachaturian and Gennady Tchernov, pupil of Oleg Eiges. He also studied under professor Leonid Block, pupil of Emil Gilels and Alexander Goldenweiser, in the chamber music course at the “Gnesin`s Academy”.
In April of 2006, together with pianist Natasha Nikiforova, Omar was awarded the first prize in the International Chamber Music Competition “XXI Century Art”, in Kiev, Ukraine.

The Danish and American Schools
Also in 2006 and 2007, in Denmark, Omar had the pleasure of attending classes under professor, pianist Jose Ribera, pupil of Alfred Cortot, head of the Piano Department at the Royal Danish Academy, who became a great influence in Omar’s approach to music.
           
The flautist finished his Masters Degree in flute performance at the Ohio State University, in 2008, under Professor Katherine Borst Jones, pupil of Julius Baker.

As a flautist, He regularly plays concerts in Brazil, South America, Russia and also has appearances in Europe. His career as a composer led him from South America to Asia with pieces played in various countries, including USA, Russia, Brazil, China, Taiwan, Ukraine, Germany, among other countries.

Few comments about Omar:

“Omar comes from a great, traditional School of Composition, works with professionalism and is in the absolutely correct route to success”
Tolib Shakhidi, composer, pupil of Aram Khachaturian

“Great fantasy, creativity, which together with his profound knowledge of harmony and musical form makes him not only a fully skilled composer, but also a complete musician”
Kiril Volkov, composer, pupil of Aram Khachaturian

“Being a composer himself, Omar easily understands what we, composers, expect from a performer. It is a pleasure giving him a new piece to premiere”
Pavel Tursunov, composer, pupil of Tikhon Khrennikov

“... infallibly musical, rhythmical, with a big range of sound..."
José Ribera; pianist, international soloist, professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Music.

“A real artist, spontaneous, captivating.”
Sonia Maria Vieira; pianist, international soloist, professor at the School of Music of the Rio de Janeiro Federal University.

“He has a real great sound.”
Ransom Wilson; conductor, international soloist, professor at Yale University.

“…a terrific, passionate player”
Katherine Borst Jones; professor at the Ohio State University