Meet Gabriela Alvarado | Queer Latina Leader | Classically Trained Flutist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriela Alvarado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Venezuela. I am one of four children in a single-parent home. My mother introduced us to the world of music at an early age. In Venezuela, music education is widely accessible through El Sistema, which started with the idea that every child should have the right to music regardless of their socio-economic background. This belief planted seeds in how I wanted to develop my career.
Access to free music education allowed me to live experiences I wouldn’t have otherwise. I came to the United States in 2006 looking for the training I could (at the time) not acquire in my home country and searching for a better life away from the political climate that was only starting to look too unsafe. Music has allowed me to find safety, and I would like to do the same in my work: to create a safe environment for others to experience classical music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Welcome to the life of Gaby, where classical music is anything but traditional. Let’s throw out the idea that classical music must be stuffy, traditional, and boring or you must be a musician to understand it. Classical music is often created from life experiences and human emotions – which we can all relate to!

I believe everyone should get the chance to experience classical music so they can feel connected to it. That’s why you will usually find me giving more intimate concerts in non-traditional venues that allow me to interact with my audience. These performances take place at venues such as private residences, libraries, churches, coffee shops, and nursing homes, which are just a few of my favorite performance spaces!

Ever since the pandemic hit us, I made a career transition from full-time teacher and performer to communications and fundraising manager for a social justice organization funding Black and Latinx musicians. With my current work I continue to make music accessible to those that would not otherwise

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A trip to the Cape is a must!

You have never experienced Boston if you had not been/eaten in the North End. Do not let fame confuse you; the best desserts in the area will be at Bova’s! Then we will walk towards the Harbor. I know the best place to find peace is at Pilot House Park! Do you want ice cream? I know a place! FōMu has it for you!

Love to walk and are a nerd? No worries, I have for you the Freedom Trail!

Want to hang out for a picnic – Harvard Arboretum it is!

Boston will never be the same to you after I show you the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
+ My mother for giving me the best education I could have received. + Music Education provided by “El Sistema.”
+ Mentors throughout my career that constantly encouraged me to keep going.
+ The team of doctors that diagnosed me and gave me my career back in 2017 while I lived in the DFW metroplex.
+ My friends that became my chosen family. My sister with her unconditional support
+ My current employer – the Sphinx Organization

Website: www.gabrielaalvarado.com

Instagram: @gabyflute

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielaalvarado1985/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabyalvaradoflute

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCorwFCXmU8AoxbIyv2Yu9vQ/featured

Image Credits
@Taylor Rossi @Brittany Primavera