Gabriel Mendoza began his violin journey at CASA San Miguel, studying under Olga Elloso and later with Alfonso Coke Bolipata. During his early training, he performed both locally and abroad with the resident string ensemble, gaining valuable experience on stage. Currently, Gabriel is pursuing a Post-Graduate Performance Artist Certificate at UNCSA under the guidance of Kevin Lawrence.
Gabriel holds a master’s degree in violin performance from the University of South Florida, where he studied with Carolyn Stuart, and a Bachelor’s degree in music composition from the University of Santo Tomas, mentored by Dr. Herminigildo Ranera. At USF, Gabriel was a member of the Rebecca Penneys Chamber Collective, coached the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, and served as a guest instructor for local high schools.
As a composer and arranger, Gabriel’s works have been featured in prestigious venues such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fellowship Series and the Tampa Museum of Art. His compositions have been performed by ensembles including the Asian Development Foundation College Symphony Orchestra and the Manila Philharmonic.
Prior to his studies in the United States, he frequently performed with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Gabriel’s achievements also include winning the Steinway & Rutenburg Award for chamber music and performing in the Steinway Series in Tampa. He has served as concertmaster of the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra and was a fellow with the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle for the 2023-2024 season. Additionally, Gabriel is the recipient of the 2024 Ruggero Barbieri Conducting Fellowship, supporting his alma mater, CASA San Miguel Foundation, and Pundaquit Virtuosi.